Campaign - M/T Required Replacement: Overview
89Chevy26Number: 89C16
Section: 7B
Date: September, 1989
Subject: PRODUCT CAMPAIGN 89C16 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS
- HIGH CARBIDE GEARS
Model and Year: 1989 CHEVROLET "J" & "L" CARS
TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS
General Motors has determined that certain 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier & Corsica/Beretta models produced with 5-speed manual transaxles may have gears with a high carbon content in the tooth surface. These gears could, as mileage accumulates, damage the softer gears to which they mate. The first notice to a driver would be gear noise resulting from spalling (pitting) of gear surfaces. If the transaxle is left unserviced, internal damage may occur, leading to vibration or the shifter "popping out of gear", and finally to a loss of drive in one or more gears.
Up to ten different gears in each of the involved transaxles may have excess carbide, hence the involved transaxle assemblies are to be exchanged to prevent the above condition from recurring on the same vehicles as mileage accumulates.