I've recently tried adjusting my shift linkage cable that connects the column shifter (this is an auto tranny) to the transmission proper. It proved more difficult than I thought. There still seems to be slack and slop in the shifter. I tried multiple times to get the adjustment correct but there is still an issue with Park. It shifts into Park but the light doesn't always come on in the instrument panel which makes it not crank up sometimes unless I wiggle the column shifter.

Do these cables wear out? What else could cause this slack and slop? Are there are other attachment points like the firewall that could come loose and allow the cable housing to move?

Can this do any damage to the tranny?

Thanks to all for their insight.

 

Are there bushings or something inside the column that could wear out causing the shifting to be difficult? Man I wish I had a manual.

How difficult is it to make an auto a manual?

 

On my 90 4runner, the auto shifter is on the floor, and there are a couple bushings in there that need to be replaced in order to fix the slack issue. I would imagine there are some similar bushing in the column to fix the slack in the shifter. Then probably mess with the cable some more to get it lined up right maybe. With mine, I had to have the bar from the shifter create tension toward the back of the car for it to shift right.

 

Does anybody else have some input on this. My truck now won't shift into Park or drop shift down to Low. It only shifts to Drive, Neutral, and Reverse.

When I shift it into Park it won't go all the way.

Can the cables wear out. I've adjusted the linkage on the tranny but this doesn't help. It actually can't be adjusted properly to shift into all gears.

And it will only start in Neutral now since I can't shift into Park all the way.

Any temp fixes would be great until I can get the steering wheel off and have a look at the column shift mechanism and see if bushings or the cable proper are worn out.

Thanks.

 

a51young,

So did you have to replace bushings to fix this problem in yours? Did you have slack in the steering linkage that you couldn't fix with an adjustment at the tranny?

How is it after the bushing replacement?

Thanks for your input.

 

I just replaced the bushings on the shifter, but since mine is on the floor instead of the steering column it is a little different. The lever connects directly to the rod on the tranny so I don't know about any other cables. I had to make sure the connection was very tight. I'll draw a picture and try and put it up here soon

 

This is from memory so it might not be right, but put tension so it is close to shifting.