Got my '88 Fiero GT out after about a 9 month hibernation and had a few issues on the drive home...

1. Shifting the 5 speed thru the gears was a chore! First is a bear to engage and rowing thru the gears was difficult. I remember just before I put her away shift wasn't as smooth as she used to be. What should be my diagnostic procedure to insure I resolve the problem?

2. Coming home I had to stop at CVS to pick up a prescription and I set in the drive thru line for several minutes before it was my turn at grab and go. Setting there idling, I kept an eye the coolant temp gage and it hovered just shy of 200 degrees. On my way home however the TEMP light came on. The gauge still read about 200 as it did setting in the drive thru but after a few minutes the light went out and never came back on during the rest of my drive home. Planning to have the cooling system vacuum flushed next weekend but don't want to do that just incase I may have a mechanical issue that would involve opening up the system. THOUGHTS??

Thanks guys for your help!!

------------------
JOE 4RE
'88 Fiero GT
Med. Red Metallic
loaded 5 speed

Shifting Issues:
Check the shift and select cables movement {lubrication} or/and the shifter in the console.

Coolant Temperature:
Did the radiator fan turn on?

IF the coolant temperature gauge is 'correct' - then the warning switch sensor is failing. {GM 25036809 / AC Delco 213-71 / Standard Ignition TS-168 (Aftermarket: Delphi TS10051)

If you’re in doubt about the ‘health’ of the coolant, completely flush the system.

As you're draining the coolant system, I suggest replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor for the ECM as well {GM 25036979}

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

quote Originally posted by JOE 4RE: Shifting the 5 speed thru the gears was a chore! First is a bear to engage and rowing thru the gears was difficult. I remember just before I put her away shift wasn't as smooth as she used to be. What should be my diagnostic procedure to insure I resolve the problem?

I would first suspect air in the clutch hydraulics... or possibly a bent clutch pedal or banjo. Clutch pedal should be sitting about an inch above the brake pedal at rest. Check to see how far the slave is actually moving. Needs to move about 1-1/8" for full disengagement of the clutch. There are about a thousand threads here describing what to check and how to deal with it.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 10-01-2024).]

On the temp light good point on did or did not the radiator fan come on. I had this happen to me a couple time but only after a heavy rain storm. Once things dried out things were back to normal. Never did find what where the problem was.

Jack