Shifter adjustment?

Awox · #1 08-09-2010, 12:40 PM

I'm trying to get my car inspected, and it's not gonna happen because of a little shifter problem, I get turned away everywhere I go. At least I hope it's a little problem.

Anyway, when you put it into park, it only halfway engages, you have to push the shifter all the way up to get it to release the key. Since it's not technically in park, I have to start the car in neutral (anti-theft feature!) And the reverse lights are still on because it hasn't moved up far enough. Furthermore, park doesn't actually engage, so I have to use the handbrake to keep it from rolling when parked. Since the key barely releases, and the reverse lights stay on, it leads me to believe that hopefully it's just an easy adjustment. And if it goes further up the lights should go off and hopefully the park gear actually engages.

Your thoughts? Where can it be adjusted eassily just under the shifter perhaps? Or is this something more serious?

1986nate · #2 08-09-2010, 03:23 PM

It needs to be adjusted where the shifter cable attaches on the side of the transmission. Not too difficult, but you will need to drop the exhaust after the manifolds in order to get access as well as a heat shield I believe.

Awox · #3 08-09-2010, 04:03 PM

Dang...In other words, the car NEEDS to be lifted in order to do this, eh?
I really was hoping that wasn't the case. Oh well.
We may be able to lift the front enough to get under it with jacks and wood.

Any Idea what tools I would need?

1986nate · #4 08-09-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Awox

Dang...In other words, the car NEEDS to be lifted in order to do this, eh?
I really was hoping that wasn't the case. Oh well.
We may be able to lift the front enough to get under it with jacks and wood.

Any Idea what tools I would need?

Some common sockets and open ended wrenches, 12 and 14 mm and I believe 10mm for the adjustment nuts on the shifter cable. If you have car ramps or jackstands, it can be done. Just be prepared for rusted bolts/nuts since you are dealing with exhaust. Also, you may need 2 people to help with the exhaust so it doesn't fall to the ground as it can cause something to fall apart.

Awox · #5 08-09-2010, 04:41 PM

Thanks man!
Also, any Idea as to the direction it needs to be adjusted?

1986nate · #6 08-09-2010, 05:09 PM

Alright, was thinking and remembered, you also have to remove the driveshaft- 4, 12mm bolts hold the driveshaft to the rear diff, you will need to have the rear wheels off the ground so that the driveshaft can be spun to get to all 4 bolts. The adjusters are going to be "behind" (toward the rear of the car) the transmission mounted to the shifter in the transmission "tunnel". With the problems you are having, you will need to "tighten" the adjustment nuts. There are 2 "nuts" on the cable that will both need to be turned clockwise (tightened) to adjust near where you need it. When you have the selecter where it needs to be, you will want to hold still the nut further on the cable while tightening up the nut on the end to make sure it stays put.

Hope this makes sense, although it probably won't unless someone can get some pics or just take these instructions with you and while you're under there, it should make sense.