TSB: K009/98

1995 - 98 Protege, 1992 - 95 MX-3 A/T SELECTOR LEVER HARD TO OPERATE

APPLICABLE MODELS

All 1995-98 Protege with automatic transaxle that have VINs lower than JM1BC14W0221733.

All 1992-95 MX-3 with automatic transaxle.

DESCRIPTION

The automatic transaxle selector lever is difficult to operate. In somes cases, the lever will not operate at all during cold weather. This is caused by the lower portion of the manual shaft becoming rusted inside the transaxle case. A modified manual shaft is available to resolve this concern.

Customers complaining of this concern should have their vehicle repaired according to the following procedure.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Verify customer complaint.

2. Disconnect the selector cable at the manual shaft and verify if the selector lever is still difficult to operate.

• If selector lever is still difficult to operate, REFER TO SERVICE BULLETIN K002/98.

• If not difficult to operate, attempt to rotate the manual shaft.

• If manual shaft does not rotate freely, proceed to STEP 3.

3. Install SST (engine support) 49-G017 5A0.

4. Remove transaxle range switch per the Workshop Manual.

5. Clean the transaxle exterior thoroughly with a solvent cleaner and compressed air.

WARNING: Wear eye protection when using compressed air to clean.

6. Remove the transverse member per the Workshop Manual.

NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with A/C system, remove nut attaching C-clamp to transverse member.

7. Remove the Control Valve Body per the Workshop Manual.

CAUTION: Do not tilt the valve body side ways. The manual valve may fall out of valve body.

NOTE: ATF will rush out as the valve body is being removed.

8. Remove nut from manual shaft.

9. Remove manual shaft from transaxle case.

10. Thoroughly remove all rust from inside and around the manual shaft opening in the transaxle case.

11. Install O-rings onto new manual shaft.

12. Insert new manual shaft through transaxle case and tighten nut.

13. Install the control valve body per the Workshop Manual.

NOTE: Be sure to align the manual valve with the pin on the manual plate, and then install the control valve body.

14. Install the transaxle range switch per the Workshop Manual.

15. Replace and inspect the automatic transaxle fluid level per the Workshop Manual.

NOTE: Do not overfill. Begin by pouring in 4 quarts and measuring the fluid level. Add more fluid as needed.

16. Verify repair.

PARTS INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION

This information applies to verified customer complaints on vehicles covered under normal warranty. Refer to the SRT microfiche for warranty term information.