For 1990-2009 cars

### Diagnostic Aids

If the vehicle is equipped with the 3.6L engine, the transmission is in neutral with the engine operating, and a whirling kind of a noise, neutral gear rattle, is heard outside the vehicle, this is a normal condition.

### Test Description

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

1. This step inspects for vibration causing a noise.

2. 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.

3. This step inspects for the correct type of transmission fluid. The transmission uses a special fluid. If the incorrect fluid was used, there may have been an overheating problem. Overheating may cause damage to the transmission components.

4. This step tests to determine if clutch components are making the noise. Depress 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. Improper sealing of the shifter may be allowing normal transmission noise to be heard by the driver.

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: The transmission is making a noise. The different noises may be a whine or a growl from faulty bearings or gears. The noise may also be caused from a faulty component causing a vibration noise or rattle.
1 | Did you review the Symptoms - Manual Transmission. Did you perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Manual Transmission
2 | Is the noise present at a certain road speed, or with a certain load? | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 4
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 13 | 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 14 | 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 refill the transmission with the correct type fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement. Did you find and repair the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 9
9 |

1. Inspect for engine to transmission alignment.
2. Inspect for loose transmission mounting bolts.

Are there any loose transmission mounting bolts?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10 | Replace and tighten the transmission mounting bolts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement. Is the noise still present? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 14
11 | With the engine operating, depress the clutch pedal. Is the noise still present? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 13
12 |

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

• | The release bearing.

• | The dual mass flywheel.

• | The pressure plate.

• | The clutch disc.

• | The engine crankshaft end play.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

13 | Replace the transmission. Refer to Transmission Replacement. Is the replacement complete? | Go to Step 14 | --
14 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 1