[V8] Shifter problems

[Tony and Lillie]

This is what prompted the shifter lights. Yesterday while driving, I noticed my shifter felt loose. As I would go from gear to gear, it no longer was a positive engagement. IOW, I'd start in first, then when I went to the second gear detent, I'd actually have to push a bit farther to engage second, and so on. 

Later in the day, the car refused to start. I've had that problem before. Usually extreme heat, after running. Anyhow, I've run a wire from the solonoid to the jump post, and just touch it when I need. I did yesterday, and when I got back in I noticed I was in "limp" mode for the trans.

This morning, when I went to start the car, it was in Park. The instrument cluster indicated "R". So, I put it in the air and looked under. I had Dad shift while I watched and felt. All was tight under there. So, then I went inside and pulled the side panels off the console. There was not a corresponding movement of the cable for the lever. There was my problem!!

I took the console out, and pulled the shifter assy. There is a bolt at the bottom that goes through the shift lever (it forks out) and a shaft that opperates the bracket which the shift cable is attached to. That bolt is shouldered, and threads into the shifter on the other side. It had unscrewed itself. I screwed it back in, and it's tighter than I ever remember it being. Then, I did the lights and put everything back together.

Hopefully no one else has this experience, but if you do, there it is.

Tony Hoffman