For 1990-2009 cars

### Diagnostic Aids

If the transmission is in neutral with the engine operating, and a whirling noise - a neutral gear rattle is heard outside the vehicle, the sound is a normal condition.

### Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. This step inspects for the correct transmission fluid level. If the transmission fluid level is excessively low, damage may have occurred to the transmission components.

2. This step inspects for the correct type of transmission fluid. The transmission uses DEXRON® III fluid. If the incorrect fluid was used, there may have been an overheating condition. Overheating may cause damage to the transmission components.

3. This step inspects for noise coming into the driver compartment. Improper sealing of the shift tower may be allowing normal transmission noise to be heard by the driver.

4. This step tests to determine if clutch components are making the noise. Press the clutch pedal slowly and listen for the change in noise. If the noise changes while pressing the pedal, it may be a faulty clutch component. If the noise does not change until the clutch is completely disengaged, the transmission component is faulty.

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: The transmission is making a noise. The noise may be a whine or a growl caused by faulty bearings or gears. The noise may also be caused from a faulty component causing a vibration noise.
1 | Did you review the operations and perform the necessary inspections? Symptoms - Manual Transmission | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Manual Transmission.
2 | Is the noise present while in neutral, with the engine operating? | Go to Diagnostic Aids | Go to Step 3
3 | Is the noise present in all gears? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4
4 | Is the noise present in just one gear? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 5
5 | Inspect the transmission fluid level. Is the fluid level correct? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6
6 | Add transmission fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement Did you find and repair the condition? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 7
7 | Inspect the transmission for the correct fluid type. Refer to Lubrication Specifications. Is the transmission fluid the correct type? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8
8 | Drain and fill the transmission with the correct type of fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement. Did you find and repair the condition? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 9
9 | Inspect the shift tower boot. Is the closeout boot loose or damaged? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11
10 | Position and tighten the shift tower boot to specifications. Refer to Shift Control Assembly Replacement. Did you find and repair the condition? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 11
11 | Inspect for torque tube to transmission alignment and loose transmission mounting retaining bolts. Are there any loose transmission mounting bolts? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 15
12 | Replace and tighten the transmission mounting retaining bolts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications Is the noise still present? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 16
13 | With the engine operating, press the clutch pedal. Is the noise still present? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 15
14 |

1. Remove the clutch. Refer to Clutch Assembly Replacement.
2. Inspect the following components for being the cause of the noise:

• | The release bearing.

• | The pilot bearing.

• | The dual mass flywheel, if equipped.

• | The pressure plate.

• | The clutch disc.

• | The input shaft bearing.

• | The engine crankshaft end play.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 15

15 |

1. Remove the transmission. Refer to Transmission Replacement.
2. Disassemble the transmission. Refer to Transmission Disassemble. Use the information in the Cleaning and Inspection section to determine if any of the transmission components are faulty.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 16

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16 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 1