Gear Shift Lever Housing - Damage: Overview

91saab03

CATEGORY
Transmission

SECTION PAGE
4 4
ISSUE CODE
09/91-0131 432


Subject: Possible Damage to Gear Shift
Lever Housing

Application: Certain 1991 900 Models With 5-Speed Transmission


During 1991 production, a revised gear selector rod joint was introduced that incorporates a softer rubber for a smoother shift operation. Because of this softer rubber, the possibility exists that selecting first gear with excessive force could cause the gear selector rod to move too far rearward. This rearward travel could damage the plastic lower cover of the shift lever housing.

There is also the possibility that the back-up light switch can be damaged if fifth gear is selected with excessive force. Sometimes a squeak may develop that can be heard when selecting 5th or Reverse gear. This is caused by the back-up light switch plunger scraping against the switch body.

The lower gear shift housing cover has since been modified to eliminate the possibility of any damage from excessive selector rod movement.


Cars Affected:

1991 900 models within the following VIN ranges:

^ M7007927-M7007934

^ M7008140-M7008504

^ M7008700-M7011685

Damage to the lower cover can cause difficult shifting, difficulty operating the ignition switch or an ignition switch that is jammed. For these symptoms, see Procedure A below. Excessive fifth-gear engagement travel that has damaged the back-up light switch can result in a loss of back-up light function or squeaking. For these symptoms, see Procedure B below.