Max IV won't stay in gear

[Mholtz]

Hello,
I have a 2000 Max IV, when I am in the forward gear it does not want to stay locked in gear. I just changed the tranny fluid, I thought that was the problem but the fluid looked fine. Its very tight when it is first put into forward as well. Is there a place on the tranny where the gear shifter could need greased? Its making a very scra Any input would be great. Im very new to my machine yet but have done alot of mods. Also, any trick to greasing the back left inside wheel bearing? I cant seem to reach the one under the engine/tranny. Thanks in advance for the help!

[jpswift1]

It seems to me the detent spring in your transmission is the problem (a very inexpensive part, about a dollar or two). You do have to take the transmission apart to get to it, but it would be a good opportunity to check and refresh your T-20.

[JoeMeg]

Did ya look at your linkages while operating them? Something could be interfering with the one motion on the one side.

Joe.

[Mholtz]

Thanks for the help guys. If the problem is a detent spring, is it hurting the transmission at all by using it?

[JoeMeg]

"is it hurting the transmission at all by using it? "

My experience over the years has been,any mechanism that disengages itself,under load,at the wrong time just leads to further damage ie: bigger repair bill.I am by far an expert on the T-20 but do know the detent springs are common for fwd AND rev(if falling out of fwd should be malfunctioning in rev also)Again,I am far from an authority on the T-20 but can say,don't be intimidated,they are really very simple units once one sees what is inside and there is alot of useful info on the site about them. I would give the linkages a good "once over" before removing and disassembling my trans,the parts inside are pretty well "protected" from the elements,however,the linkages being in the "outside" world leaves them open to all kinds of unthinkables.

Joe.

[LarryW]

Could be the pin the in the t-20 diamond shifter is worn. It would normally not engage right though. So detent might be the problem but the shifter pins are easy to check and replace if needed. Thats the part that comes out of the transmission on both sides. I believe your Max IV would have a plate mounted on them to hold them in. Take the plate off and pull them out and you will see a little dowel pin that engages the collar. I also believe you dont have to take the bolts all the way out because the plate is slotted but I could be wrong. Good luck, hopefully thats all it is.

[jpswift1]

Good idea, Larry. Check the simple things first and then work your way to the more difficult issues, it could be the problem. The shifter pin issues are common problems if people shift their AATV too hard. I just bought a early 90's Max II over the summer and the guy said the one side wouldn't go into drive and the thought there was a transmission issue so he sold it cheap. We got it back to Amphibious Drew's place later that evening and we popped the left diamond shifter, and sure enough someone had put it in incorrectly so the machine was always in nuetral on that side. A very quick and easy fix and a couple minutes later we took it out for a spin on the trails behind his house.