Hey Everyone,

My 1986 SE, 4 speed manual, is stuck in third. The lucky thing is that I know what is wrong, now for the problem, I have no idea what the broken piece is called and I can't find anyone who has a clue at auto parts/tranny stores what it is or where I can get a new one. Here's what the piece is, there are two cables coming from the firewall back to the engine compartment from the shifter, both of these run to the same general area, and are situated about 4 or 5 inches further back than the massive air intake tube. When you shift from gear to gear the two wires are pulled forwards and backwards. Both cables are connected to another piece via a ball and hitch type contraption. My problem is the furthest left cable. What appears to be where a keeper would be is gone and the inverted "ball and hitch" does not stay fastened, leading to my problem of being stuck in third gear. Luckily I had some electrical tape in a little emergency kit with me which allowed me to get home. Does anyone have a clue what the little piece that covers the ball is called and if so, do you know where I could get one? Thanks so much for your help.

peace
Kevin

K...
So it sounds like you need a new shift cable.
I had(I think) the same prob with a 4spd 86GT I had once.
What happened is the "socket" of the cable end wore out and would not hold onto the ball of the shift linkage.Third being all the way ahead(firs may pop off too) this was at the far reach of the cable and when it "twists" during the throw of the shift,it simply rolls off the ball.
If this sounds like the prob.I have a exc used cable,with ball(the ball unscrews w/a bolt on the linkage)For $30 Plus $8 ship.
Good luck with your Fiero,and welcome to Pennocks
You can check out,but you can never leave!!

-Mark

Great!!! Let's do it! Drop me an email at k_yeadon@hotmail.com Thanks sooo much!

I have somewhat of a similar problem except my cables seem to be working fine.

what my problem is. I don't know if it is coincidence or not but, if I go on the interstate and drive above 60 MPH I can't get the car out of 4th gear. I can drive the car all day long in town with little problems. But drive the car on the interstate and I have to force the car out of gear. And next to impossible to downshift without shutting the car off.

My first guess is that my clutch isn't releasing all the way, but if that was the case would I have problems in town also?

Any Ideas

Fieroluv, I think your 1st guess is on the money. The fact that you can get out of gear after you shut off the motor, practically screams, "clutch not releasing fully." Did you hear that?

Me neither. However, I have heard (well, okay, read) that someone had troubles with the slave cylinder failing only after it became hot. After things cooled off, the slave cylinder functioned again. Suggest you check for that sort of thing going on - inspect heat shield for slave (i.e. - make sure it's present, not contacting the exhaust pipe nearby, e.g.).

Also - suggest you check tranny oil level - always a good idea. Good to hear from a fellow Fort Wayner - Good Luck !

[This message has been edited by StuGood (edited 06-24-2003).]

OK where do I buy a Slave heat shield. by the way I have a 4 banger it doesn't have a problem with it being near the exaust.

Oops. My apologies - I thought you had a V6. Not certain the 4-cylinder models have a heat shield on the slave. 4-cylinder (Duke) experts, please chime in...

Mine doesn't. The slave just bolts to the bracket. Nearest exhaust component is the manifold at about 6+ inches away and a bend in the exhaust tube about the same distance from the steel line going into the slave.

I have tried to bleed the system as per archies instructions. It doesn't seem to make any difference. The Slave has been replaced three times in the last year, because everywhere I take it thinks the slave is bad, and I can't seem to convince them other wise.

The master has also been replaced. One thing I don't get is the master was replaced like a little over a year ago, and it looks brand new. The slave on the other hand, was replaced not even five thousand miles ago and it looks like it came out of a junk yard, all rusty looking how is that possible.

quote Originally posted by fieroluv: master...looks brand new. The slave on the other hand,...looks...all rusty...

I'll take a stab here and guess that the slave is cast, as opposed to original equipment, smooth steel tube type. Most (of the few) cast slaves I've seen, seem to be rusty. The steel-tube slaves that I have had, stay rust-free.