I have a 95 SE and I was changing the transmission fluid. I think I took out the wrong bolt and the detent sprint came out. I didn't see a ball come out, but it very well could of being the fluid came out so fast. I didn't know what to do, so I put the spring back in and then the bolt. I never did find the ball. After I was finally done changing the fluid, I took it for a test drive and it felt very normal. The gears seem to be shifting like they have always. I have drove it a few times since then, but I am kind of worried about the missing ball. Is it possible for it to not of fallen out? Will it hurt anything to not have the ball in there? I just do not want to harm my transmission. Any ideas? Thanks for your help...

 

Anyone got any ideas???

 

Chances are the ball came out also (happened to me, I found the spring and ball when pouring my old fluid into the drum at the auto parts store). I think the purpose is to provide a 'home' for the shifter forks when you are in gear. I guess the missing ball could allow the forks to move slightly, but if it doesn't pop out of gear or feel too sloppy, I wouldn't worry too much...

 

Is it possible that since the car was in first gear the ball was in the fork and didn't come out? I bought another ball, but don't want to put it in there if I don't know if it is supposed to go there. The guy at the dealer said the tranny has 3 *****, and 7 springs. I know they usually don't know what they are talking about, so if there was a spring should there be a ball?

 

Sorry, I am not an expert on this.. The bolt I took out was near the bottom of the case toward the front side, easily visible with the wheel and inner plastic cover removed, kind of on an angle.. Not too far from the fill hole... It looked low enough to me to be a drain plug, but it is not at the very bottom... If that is the same one you pulled, maybe someone else knows if the ball could have stayed in there when the fluid poured out...

 

Well I am pretty sure my car was in gear when I took that plug out and I never could find the ball. I just want to find out if when it is in gear it holds the ball in the fork.

 

Well I took that same plug off again and I made sure my car was in neutral and sure enough out came the spring and then the ball. I guess it never did come out the first time since I had it in gear. Just wanted to let you guys know what I found out. Thanks again for the help.

 

Don't feel bad. I spaced it changing my engine oil once, and drained my auto tranny instead. The tranny plug is in the same place as oil plug on my old car. Good thing the tranny fluid is red.