How can I fix my 1990 Geo Metro manual shifting problem?

I've got a 1990 3 cylinder, 1.0 liter Geo. Such a great car but...while accelerating, the shifting lever pops out of 4th gear (does not happen in other gears). If I keep a strong hold on it while driving, it will stay in 4th. We tried adjusting the shift lever by moving the guide plate but unfortunately, it was not that simple. Our Haynes Repair Manual refers us to the professional mechanic but we are poor and would rather fix it ourselves. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks!How can I fix my 1990 Geo Metro manual shifting problem?
Of course you know there is no "clutch fluid", so the gal with 5 years car experience needs a bit more experience.



The chevy guy oughta know that the Metro is Suzuki, only imported by Chevy, and they really are decent cars for the designed purpose. I just bought a 90 Metro to use as a "grocery getter" a real "metro" car. One properly tuned/maintained and drven can get around 50 MPG. With gas topping 3 bucks/per, who cares if you can't go 70 mph!



There also is no top cover, or even gearbox for that matter. It is a transaxle, which is a bit more complicated than a gearbox.



Mr Wizard is on the right track, there is an internal problem. Most likely is a worn bearing causing improper mesh clearances. A rebuild would probably be to expensive to consider, but look at this site; http://car-part.com/ Trannies there start at around 50 bucks. If you are mechanically inclined you should be able to swap one on a metro easily. They are light enough so that you can even change them without a jack! You will need to support the engine (although it's about as easy to pull engine/transmission as a unit). The most difficult part in the swap wiil be pulling the drive axles. Hint there, leave them connected at te wheels, disconnect the tie rods, and lower ball joint and pul axles out of the case.



OR......Just bypass 4th gear and use 5th until the thing breaks totally. Then worry about it!
if a motorcycle has more cylinders then your car- thats sad



if your cars top speed (most likely including tail wind and downhill) is 70 MPH- thats sad



But if you actually enjoy this heap o **** on wheels- well thats gotta be the sadest thing yet

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How can I fix my 1990 Geo Metro manual shifting problem?
cardboard box + weedwhacker motor + 4 wheelbarrow wheels= Geo Metro

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a great car???? Im a chevy man thru and thru but the whole geo line was the dumbest thing GM ever did, my advice set it on fire and roll it down a hill.........probly the fastest it'll have ever movedHow can I fix my 1990 Geo Metro manual shifting problem?
you may just need clutch fluid, but it sounds like you need a new clutch
if you remove the gear box, take off top cover you can inspect

the selectors to see if it is worn, then replace it is easy but dirty

job
sounds to me like an internal trani problem....fourth gear is walking or climbing on the output shaft or something...? If it will accelerate without slipping and if it will slide into gear without any problems grinding then you are still in good shape. What you need to do is keep your hand on the shifter and assist it by keeping it in gear while you are driving. In the meantime, start looking for a used tranni or perhaps save up for a rebuild,