Standard Transmission 2001

[rhbee]

I am new to this forum but I need some info about what is happening to my transmission. It has been stiff moving into reverse. It's a 5 speed standard. But the day before yesterday it simply refused to find reverse. I read the manual and discovered that its lubicration is supposed to last a life time. Any ideas or sources of information before I head to the dealership and its $90 an hour labor fee would be appreciated.

[Cartman]

It sounds like either your shifter is out of adjustment, or your clutch is failing to fully disengage. My money would be on your clutch. worn springs on your clutch would be the most obvious reason which would call for a new clutch. to a lesser extent the fluid in the clutch system could need changing. brake fluid (what the clutch system uses) soaks up moisture after a while and loses some of its effectiveness.

[rhbee]

Thanks. Is it possible to deal with this by adding either brake fluid or transmission fluid?

[Cartman]

probably not unless you are low. you will need to exchange all the fluid for that repair to be successful. my money is still on the clutch tho....

[rhbee]

Okay and thanks, I'll let you know how it turns out.

[slartyblarfast]

I'm willing to bet it's your shifter cable bushings at the transmission. Is the shifter feel real sloppy? Thats been my experience atleast.

[rhbee]

Actually, it's fairly stiff. It is hard to find reverse to the point where it refuses to go into it. It shifts normally into first, third and fourth, and feels loose in second.

[Cartman]

have you tried putting it in first and then moving a inch, then going into rev? My old truck sometoimes wouldnt go into rev (found out the clutch wasnt releasing all the way later on...) but if id bump it forward with a little 1st, then go into rev, it would usually go right in.

[rhbee]

I want to thanks those who posted for your help. Turns out it shift cable bushings which had deteriorated (no explanationn why) so the shifter cable set was replaced and the cable length was adjusted. Only $482. Of course, while it was in they discovered the upper radiator leaking so we had the radiator replace too. Another $533. Did you ever notice how often things like this happen around the holiday season? Ah well, we still love our little Cruiser.