Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 6 speed shift lever turns

[MKresge]

I am a new member and I have a question regarding the gearshift lever on a 6 speed. The lever appears to be rotating as the gear pattern on the knob is turning. I thought it was just the knob but that is tight, so I thought that the shift pattern was an insert in the knob that was moving but that wasn't the case either. It appears that the lever is rotating at a point somewhere in the trans. After about a week of driving the lever rotates around so that the shift pattern indicator is back in the correct position. I don't need to see the shift pattern but is this something anyone else has experienced?



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2002 Quad Cab 3500, long bed, 4wd, 6spd, HO, 4. 10

 

[cmccracken]

Mine has started doing that the last few months as well, although the rate of it turning is not nearly as fast. After a couple months, it has traveled about 180* from where it should be. I was thinking it might have something to do with the summer heat (just guessing). I cannot find anything that is loose, or even that will turn when forced. Its not an annoyance for me, but a buddy of mine drove my truck last weekend, and he was WAY confused about how to shift it.

 

[RustyJC]

The shift pattern insert is rotating in the shift knob. To remove the insert, use a sharp o-ring removal tool, small flat screwdriver blade, pocket knife or something similar. Get a bite in the gap between the shift pattern insert and the shift knob and pry the insert out - it fits in a groove in the knob.



Now, you can use a dab of silicone RTV or the adhesive of your choice on the insert before you reinstall it. I wouldn't get carried away with this adhesive - you may want to remove the shift knob sometime, and you'll have to pry the insert out again to get to the nut that secures the shift knob to the shift lever.



Rusty

 

[klenger]

It's not a defect, it's a feature. It's the oil change reminder. When it goes all the way around, it's time to change the oil.

 

[Whitmore]

When operating your knob if you switch hands it will rotate counter clockwise



Cheers, Kevin

 

[athompson]

I don't pay any attention to it since I know the shift pattern.

 

[Oil Burner]

I let mine make 6 laps before I fixed it. I miss it now, maybe I'll free it up again

~Jason

 

[MKresge]

Problem solved. Rusty, thanks for the info.