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Technical Service Information

ACURA LEGEND
WITH G4, L5 & PL5X TRANSAXLES
GRINDING OR BIND IN REVERSE
COMPLAINT: When a garage shift is made to Reverse, the transmission exhibits a "grinding" noise and/or a
bind-up condition. This complaint occurs when one or more of the reverse selector components
on the counter shaft have been changed during rebuild.

CAUSE: Incompatible reverse selector components on the counter shaft have been installed. These
components for the G4, L5, and PL5X look the same at first glance, but "Will Not" interchange.

CORRECTION: Figure 1 illustrates the differences in the "G4" and 1987 "L5" reverse counter shaft
components. Take notice of the diameter of the components as well as tooth and spline
configuration. The reverse servo uses a spring to return the piston to the 4th gear position.
Note: The original equipment G4 components were used in the 1987 Legend Coupe only,
with the "L5" transaxle.
Compare the illustrations in Figure 1 with Figures 2 and 3.
Figure 2 illustrates the differences in the 1988 "L5" and Some 1989 "L5" reverse counter shaft
components. Take notice of the diameter of the components as well as tooth and spline
configuration. This reverse servo also utilizes a spring to return the piston to the 4th gear
position
Compare the illustrations in Figure 2, with Figures 1 and 3.
Figure 3 illustrates the differences in some 1989 "L5" and 1990 "PL5X" reverse counter shaft
components. Take notice of the diameter of the components as well as tooth and spline
configuration. The 1989 "L5" and 1990 "PL5X" does not use a servo return spring, as it has a
detent mechanism to keep the reverse servo in the reverse or 4th gear position. The fork is also
different than the previous design level in that it is ribbed to accommodate the detent mechanism.
Compare the illustrations in Figure 3, with Figures 1 and 2.

INTERCHANGEABILITY:
Honda/Acura internal components look very similar. Always look closely to avoid this mis-
assembly or any of the many other complaints that incompatible parts can create.
Even though parts look the same, there can be slight dimensional differences, because
clearances in most Honda/Acura units is .003” to .006” there is little room for error, always
check end play before final assembly of the transmission.

SPECIAL NOTE: These are correction pages for illustrations that mistakenly got published in
the 2001 Seminar Blue Book and in the February, 2001 issue of Transmission Digest.

Many thanks to Brett Bogan from for his assistance in compiling this information.

Copyright © 2001 ATSG

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 1 of 4
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Technical Service Information

ACURA LEGEND
WITH G4, L5 & PL5X TRANSAXLES
GRINDING OR BIND IN REVERSE
ALL "G4" AND 1987 ONLY "L5"
REVERSE SELECTOR FORK
"L5" CASTING NO. = "JO" OR "L5"
NOTCHES "G4" CASTING N0. = "G4"

ANGLE CUT
ALL TEETH
REVERSE GEAR 1.496 IN. THE SAME
COUNTER SHAFT 38.00MM SMOOTH IN
THIS AREA
SMOOTH
SURFACE

ALL SPLINES ARE

SAME HEIGHT &
ANGLED AT TOP &
BOTTOM
REVERSE
SELECTOR 1.022 IN.
25.96MM SERVO
RAISED RETURN
SPLINES SPRING

SQUARE CUT SPLINES

REVERSE
TOP & BOTTOM
SELECTOR
HUB
1.299 IN.
32.99MM

NOTCHES
REVERSE
SERVO

4TH GEAR SHORT & LONG SPLINES

COUNTER SHAFT ANGLE CUT AT TOP
Copyright © 2001 ATSG
Figure 1
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Technical Service Information

ACURA LEGEND
WITH G4, L5 & PL5X TRANSAXLES
GRINDING OR BIND IN REVERSE
ALL 1988 AND "SOME" 1989 "L5"
REVERSE SELECTOR FORK
NO CASTING NO. "JO" OR "L5"
NOTCHES

ANGLE CUT
ALL TEETH
REVERSE GEAR 1.533 IN. THE SAME
COUNTER SHAFT 38.94MM SMOOTH IN
GROOVE THIS AREA

SPLINES ARE UNEVEN

& ARE ANGLE CUT
REVERSE SHORT SPLINES DO NOT
SELECTOR GO TO BOTTOM
1.101 IN.
NOTCHES SERVO
27.97MM
FLUSH RETURN
SPLINES SPRING

REVERSE ROUND CUT SPLINES

SELECTOR TOP & BOTTOM
HUB
1.496 IN.
38.00MM

NOTCHES
REVERSE
SERVO

SHORT & LONG SPLINES

ANGLE CUT AT TOP
4TH GEAR
COUNTER SHAFT
Copyright © 2001 ATSG
Figure 2
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Technical Service Information

ACURA LEGEND
WITH G4, L5 & PL5X TRANSAXLES
GRINDING OR BIND IN REVERSE
"SOME" 1989 "L5" AND ALL 1990 "PL5X"
NO REVERSE SELECTOR FORK
NOTCHES CASTING NO. "OZ"

ANGLE CUT
REVERSE GEAR 1.533 IN. ALL TEETH
COUNTER SHAFT 38.94MM THE SAME

THIS AREA RIBBED

SMOOTH
FOR DETENT
SURFACE

SPLINES ARE UNEVEN

& GO TO BOTTOM OF
SLIDER & ARE POINTED
AT BOTH ENDS
REVERSE
SELECTOR
1.101 IN.
27.97MM
NOTCHES
DETENT
FLUSH BLOCK
SPLINES

REVERSE ROUND CUT SPLINES

SELECTOR TOP & BOTTOM
HUB
1.496 IN.
38.00MM
NOTCHES

REVERSE
SERVO
POINTED LONG
SPLINES

POINTED SHORT
SPLINES AT NOTCHES
4TH GEAR ONLY
COUNTER SHAFT Copyright © 2001 ATSG
Figure 3
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