Transmission Control Cable Adjustment

[Alan Reagan]

Since new, my transmission has always been a little off when going into park. The indicator wouldn't light up and sometimes in drive, the "D" wouldn't be illuminated. Also, in Park, sometimes my backup lights would come on. None of this is mentioned in the service manual as a symptom of the cable being mis-adjusted. The problems I was having all refer a technician to replacing the Tranmission Range Sensor.



Following the service manual procedure, I removed the cover on the dash below the steering column.

There is a white plastic pin below the shift cable mount brace used to release the cable. I released it by applying pressure on the underside of the lock with my fingers. It releases very easily.

Then, in a slight change from the service manual, I slid under the truck and moved the shifter into the full park position (instead of removing the cable from the shifter).

Then I reseated the cable lock under the steering column.



Now, the illumination is correct for each position and the truck goes into park when I shift it there. And my backup lights haven't come on since the adjustment.



Just thought I'd pass this along. It's about a five minute job.

 

[grabinov]

Does anyone have a picture which shows how to adjust this cable under the steering column? I have had the cover off 3 or 4 times to do it, but all the parts are plastic and I'm deathly afraid of breaking some little clippy thing. I just need to tighten the cable which has loosened over time leading to trans and indicator being out of whack...

Thanks!

Greg

 

[Alan Reagan]

I can't get the picture to copy. The number 3 they are referring to is the cable release tab. If you can slide under the truck, you don't have to raise it. Chock the wheels in case you move the detent out of park. Sorry I can't get the picture on. The release tab is the white plastic piece with the cable running into it.



ADJUSTMENTS - GEARSHIFT CABLE

Gearshift Adjustment Procedure

1. Shift transmission into PARK.

2. Release cable adjuster lock tab (3) (underneath the

steering column) to unlock cable.

3. Raise vehicle.

4. Disengage the cable eyelet from the transmission

manual shift lever.

5. Verify transmission shift lever is in PARK detent by

moving lever fully rearward. Last rearward detent is

PARK position.

6. Verify positive engagement of transmission park

lock by attempting to rotate propeller shaft. Shaft

will not rotate when park lock is engaged.

7. Snap the cable eyelet onto the transmission manual

shift lever.

8. Lower vehicle.

9. Lock shift cable by pressing cable adjuster lock tab (3) downward until it snaps into place.

10. Check engine starting. Engine should start only in PARK and NEUTRAL.

 

[grabinov]

Excellent! Thanks Alan...