M/T - Gear Noise Explanation

NO: 21-06-98

GROUP: Transmission

DATE: Apr. 3, 1998

SUBJECT:
Neutral Gear Rattle With Clutch Engaged

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 06-01-97 DATED MARCH 14, 1997, WHICH SHOULD BE NOTED IN THE 1997 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO. 81-699-98004). THE PARTS AND REPAIR PROCEDURE HAVE BEEN CHANGED. ALL CHANGES ARE MARKED WITH **ASTERISKS**.

**MODELS:**
1994 - 1998 (SR) Viper

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

A light chatter or rattling noise from the clutch housing or transmission area with the clutch engaged and the transmission in neutral. The noise will diminish with the clutch disengaged.

Clearances in the transmission gear teeth are incorporated into the design for component durability. There will always be a slight amount of gear mesh noise. No attempts should be made to disassemble the transmission for this condition.

WARNING:
NO ATTEMPTS SHOULD BE MADE TO TIGHTEN THE CLEARANCES BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION INTERNAL COMPONENTS.

NOTE:
WHILE THIS REPAIR IS HELPFUL IN REDUCING NEUTRAL GEAR RATTLE, IT WILL NOT ELIMINATE IT. IN ADDITION, THE NEW FLUID WILL CAUSE SOME INCREASED SHIFTING EFFORT AT 20°F AND BELOW. THIS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURES. PLEASE INFORM THE OWNER OF THIS POSSIBLE CONDITION BEFORE BEGINNING THE REPAIR.

**DIAGNOSIS:**

Road test the vehicle to warm the vehicle powertrain. Drive in 3rd to 5th gear to help bring the transmission to operating temperatures. Stop the vehicle and apply the parking brake. With the transmission in neutral and the engine running at idle, depress and release the clutch pedal. Listen for a chatter or rattling noise whenever the clutch pedal is released. If the noise is diminished when the clutch is depressed, proceed to the Repair Procedure.

*PARTS REQUIRED:**

4 04874459 Transmission Lubricant, SAE 75W (MS-9070) (Quart)
1 04275086 Label, Authorized Modification

**REPAIR PROCEDURE:**

This bulletin involves draining the transmission fluid and replacing it with a new lubricant.

1. Drain the transmission fluid by following the procedure in the Viper Service Manual (Publication 81-270-7150) page 21-3.





2. Type the necessary information into the Authorized Modification Label and attach the label near the VECI label.

POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:

**Labor Operation No: 21-00-10-95 0.4 Hrs.**

FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part