Getrag F23 (M86/MG3)

Getrag F23 (M86/MG3)
2003 Model Year

Type:
Transverse front wheel drive, five-speed manual transaxle

Engine Range:
2.2L DOHC (M86/MG3)- 2.4L

Maximum Engine Torque:
210 Nm

Maximum Gearbox Torque:
230 Nm

Gear Ratios: Name: M86
First: 3.58
Second: 2.02
Third: 1.35
Fourth: 0.98
Fifth: 0.69
Reverse: 3.31

Name: MG3
First: 3.58
Second: 2.02
Third: 1.35
Fourth: 0.98
Fifth: 0.81
Reverse: 3.31

Maximum Validated Gross Vehicle Weight:
1857 kg (M86)
2030 kg (MG3)

Case Material:
Aluminum

CONTROL SYSTEMS:

Center Distance:
75 mm

Fluid Type:
DEXIII

Transmission Weight:
46.3 kg

Fluid Capacity (Approximate):
1.7 L (Dry) = M86
1.8L (Dry) = MG3

Power Take Off:
No

APPLICATIONS
Chevrolet Cavalier (M86)
Pontiac Sunfire (M86)
Pontiac Grand Am (M86)
Oldsmobile Alero (M86)
Saturn VUE (MG3)

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2003 Changes

2003 Model Year Summary

• M94 Will Be Dropped At The End Of The 2002 Model Year

• Detent Loading Increased For Saturn Ion (M86)

• Zinc Coating Replaces All Hexavalent Chrome Coatings On The Transaxle

FULL DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW OR CHANGED FEATURES

M94 WILL BE DROPPED AT THE END OF THE 2002 MODEL YEAR

The Ecotec 2.2L four-cylinder (L61) is scheduled to replace the 2.2L (LN2) at the beginning of the 2003 model year. The Ecotec 2.2L will use the M86. The LN2 was the only application for the M94 transaxle. The primary difference between the M94 and M86 is the bell housing. 

DETENT LOADING INCREASED FOR SATURN ION (M86)

The spring loading that maintains the shift rod positions once a gearset has been engaged has been increased for the Saturn ION. The weight of the shift knob has also been increased, from approximately 40 grams to approximately 180 grams. The effect of these two changes is to make gear engagement feel more positive to the driver. The heavier shift knob acts as a damper for the shift mechanism, and its inertia overcomes the increase in pressure needed to actuate stiffer detent springs.

ZINC COATING REPLACES ALL HEXAVALENT CHROME COATINGS ON TRANSAXLE

The external shifter shaft that enters the transaxle, the stamped steel components, and fasteners used on the transaxle will be coated with zinc nickel instead of hexavalent chrome beginning in the 2003 model year. This change is expected to improve corrosion resistance.

LOW MAINTENANCE

The 5-speeds use DEXRON III, the common fluid in GM automatic and some manual transmission applications. The fluid is certified for the life of the transaxle. In addition, the clutch is actuated hydraulically, and so wear is automatically compensated and no clutch adjustments are necessary.

OVERVIEW

The 5-Speed is a three-axis conventional transverse manual transaxle with fully synchronized reverse gear. It features compact packaging, broad low-torque applications, and reliable operation. The M86/M94 was introduced for the 2000 model year in the Chevrolet Cavalier, the Pontiac Sunfire and Grand Am, and the Oldsmobile Alero.

Applications that used the 2.4L (LD9) four-cylinder engine received a slightly larger clutch than applications that used the 2.2L (LN2) engine. Both of these engines were replaced in model year 2002.

The 5-speed has two gearsets on each of three parallel shafts -- the input shaft, the output shaft, and the intermediate shaft. This three shaft (also called three axis) design results in a very short axial length for better packaging. There are three separate shift fork shafts, which hold three shift forks to activate the synchronizer rings for the two gearsets on each of the three gear shafts. The shift forks are activated by a cable system. The clutch release bearing is operated by a concentric slave cylinder that surrounds the input shaft in the clutch housing. A concentric slave cylinder allows more linear clutch feel than an external lever-actuated clutch and release bearing. The input shaft carries the 3rd and 4th gear synchronizer, the intermediate shaft carries the 1st and 2nd gear synchronizer, and the output shaft carries the 5th and reverse gear synchronizer. The aluminum case contains a conventional final drive gearset.

There are sintered bronze double-cone blocker rings on the synchronizers for 1st and 2nd gears, while the remaining gears all have carbon fiber blocker rings on their synchronizers. Carbon fiber is an extremely durable friction surface that remains stable even under extreme heat, so it lasts longer, especially under abusive conditions.

Reverse gear is synchronized, which is a design advantage. That means the vehicle does not have to be completely stationary in order for reverse gear to be selected by the driver.

The specifications for the transaxle came mostly from Opel, which uses most of the production of the transaxle in the Astra, Vectra and Zafira in Europe. Getrag builds the transaxle in Bari, Italy. The primary differences between the M86 and MG3 are the gearset ratios (see specifications page) and the clutch housing (also called bell housing) machining. The case of the M86 and MG3 are cast identically, but mounting bosses are drilled for different engine mounting studs.