I have v6 spd and it seems to shift, well kind of stiff. the clutch does completely digengage, but it just seems like I am forcing it into gear. Will said that you can use syncromesh fluid in the Getrag and that helps it shift a lot better, will that help the 4 speed?

thanks
Matt

You can use it and it will help.

yes - good stuff
also - freeing up the shifter itself & the shifter cables helps

The general consensus is that you can use syncromesh as option 1 or synthetic 5w30 as a cheaper option 2.

I used the 5w30 but added a cup of Lucas. It seems to work well, but Syncromesh may be slightly better.

Arn

Go with the synchromesh if you can. It really is the best stuff for the Fiero's transmission.
Also I suspect your problem is your cables binding due to age, heat and rather poor placement.
My 4 speed can be shifted at the tranmission with the cables off rather easily, but from the shifter it's a lot of work.
Just dont wanna spend the money...

The original 4spds specified motor oil, but GM later revised that specification so that all the Fiero manual trannies use Syncromesh regardless of what it originally came with. Regarding your shifting, with the engine running and the car stopped, slip the shifter into any gear, then immediately shift into reverse. Does it grind or clunk when you shift into reverse? With it in reverse and the engine idling and the car still, you should be able to shift in and out of reverse repeatedly without any grinding or clunking. If you get grinding or clunking then your clutch isn't releasing completely.

JazzMan

Is gear lube bad? I just bought some valvoline gear lube.

quote Originally posted by goatnipples2002: Is gear lube bad? I just bought some valvoline gear lube.

Yes, you only want to use Syncromesh. You can get it under the Pennzoil or Valvoline brand at AutoZone.

JazzMan

I've never changed the fluid in my Fiero. Do you just pull the plug, let it all drain out, put the plug in, and fill it back up? Mine is a 4 spd V6 if that makes a difference.

The bulletin is only for the 5-speed (mg1,mg2), but I would recommend the Synchromesh in any of the manual trannies...

M/T - Proper Service Fluid
Bulletin Number: 88-7-17
Reference Number: 877208
Publish Date: 2/88
PROPER SERVICE FLUID FOR MANUAL TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION 1986 1/2 -Subject: 1988 HM-282 (MG1 AND MG2) 1988 HM-290 (MC0 AND MG5) HM-282 - ALL HM-290 - ALL
Models Affected:
6000, SUNBIRD, GRAND AM, FIERO AND GRAND PRIX MODELS
BULLETIN COVERS:

Proper service fluid for the HM-282 and HM-290 is important to prevent gear clash and/or increased shift effort.
FIGURE 1 - HM-282 TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION RPO MG1/MG2

FIGURE 2 - HM-290 TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION RPO MCO/MG5


DATE OF PRODUCTION CHANGE: (Figures 1 and 2)

For the 1988 model year the HM-282 5-speed manual transaxle is factory filled with synchromesh transmission fluid (STF). This new fluid aids in reducing cold shift effort in this application.

SERVICE ACTION:

Reference chart below for the proper service fluid.NOTE: 1) It is permissible and preferred to use synchromesh transmission fluid (STF) in past model HM-282 transaxles. STF will aid in reducing cold shift effort.

2) Synchromesh transmission fluid (STF) can be mixed with manual transmission fluid, but as the portion of manual transmission fluid increases, so does the shift effort.


IMPORTANT: DO NOT REFILL THE HM-282 OR HM-290 WITH ENGINE OIL OR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. THESE HAVE DIFFERENT FRICTION COEFFICIENTS AND DO NOT WORK WELL WITH THE SYNCHRONIZERS, CAUSING GEAR CLASH AND/OR INCREASED SHIFT EFFORT.

[This message has been edited by Semi-crazy (edited 01-17-2006).]

quote Originally posted by Fiero_Adam: I've never changed the fluid in my Fiero. Do you just pull the plug, let it all drain out, put the plug in, and fill it back up? Mine is a 4 spd V6 if that makes a difference.

That all I did. You fill it where the speed sensor goes into the tranny. When you pull out the speed sensor be careful that the gear doesn't fall off (never has on mine but people always mention it *shrug*).

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Low 14 sec 99 Pontiac GTP, 3.2L V6 4 sp 86 Fiero GT

[This message has been edited by foxxman25 (edited 01-17-2006).]

The speed sensor also acts as the dipstick on the 4spd, it has full and add (or something like that) written on it.

The VSS on mine just has two lines that are real close together. Is the fluid suppose to be in between the two lines?

ideally yes, the fluid should be between the 2 lines.