Column shifting is hard
#1
Column shifting is hard
My 1997 5.4L automatic is giving me issues. Whether I'm going from park to drive, to reverse or wherever,....the shifting is hard and grinding like. It's not a noise grinding,.......it's a resistance in moving the lever. I'm not sure if it's a linkage issue or a tranny issue. Has anyone experienced this, or maybe heard of this ?
Help !!
Help !!
Last edited by jvangel; 08-07-2007 at 12:25 PM.
#2
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Memphis, TN 38135, USA, Earth
Posts: 5,495
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Click the tan CV in my signature & look thru the Steering Column album. It could be the U-clamps that hold the shifter down, or the screws on the front of the shifter that hold the bracket for the cable. The shifter tube is known to break if it's left loose too long, so don't abuse it. There are upgraded parts available.
#3
Steve thanks for the reply. I just finished checking the U brackets, plus the bracket with the 2 screws at the end of the assembly and all is tight. Not sure what else to check.
I will say this though,.....the other night when leaving work, the truck would not start. Battery was strong and then I went ahead and made sure the shifter was in deed all the way up in the park position (It's done this before) and walla,.....the truck started. Well when I went to put the truck in gear then that one time it was like butter. But after that it went back to the binding way again. That's why I believe it's something in the column area. I'm wondering if the column itself is screwed up.
I will say this though,.....the other night when leaving work, the truck would not start. Battery was strong and then I went ahead and made sure the shifter was in deed all the way up in the park position (It's done this before) and walla,.....the truck started. Well when I went to put the truck in gear then that one time it was like butter. But after that it went back to the binding way again. That's why I believe it's something in the column area. I'm wondering if the column itself is screwed up.
#4
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Memphis, TN 38135, USA, Earth
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IIRC, there was a recall for bad shifter cables on some trucks. Call the nearest dealer with your VIN & have them check for any outstanding FSAs.
To diagnose it, pop the end of the cable off the ball on that bracket at the front of the shifter. Then see if the shifter moves smoothly. Also, disconnect the bottom end & try to push/pull the cable to see if it's binding. This is for older trucks, but it's virtually identical to yours:
To diagnose it, pop the end of the cable off the ball on that bracket at the front of the shifter. Then see if the shifter moves smoothly. Also, disconnect the bottom end & try to push/pull the cable to see if it's binding. This is for older trucks, but it's virtually identical to yours:
#7
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#8
I just spent the last 30 minutes messing with truck again, and what I did this time was disconnect the cable from the bracket. Well when the cable was disconnected, the shifting at the column was better the smooth as butter. So I know my steering column is ok ! (That's a good thing).
I just called a local shop that also specializes in Tranny's, and he said it could possibly be the cable. I'm gonna run it by his shop tomorrow and he's gonna take a look for me. He said that everything I did so far (THANK YOU GUY'S) is what he would have checked first. I'll let ya'll kn ow sometime before noon tomorrow on what he thinks. He did say that he's replaced a few cables with the same symptoms and then all was well.
Anyone know what a cable change run's ?
AGAIN THANKS GUYS !!
I just called a local shop that also specializes in Tranny's, and he said it could possibly be the cable. I'm gonna run it by his shop tomorrow and he's gonna take a look for me. He said that everything I did so far (THANK YOU GUY'S) is what he would have checked first. I'll let ya'll kn ow sometime before noon tomorrow on what he thinks. He did say that he's replaced a few cables with the same symptoms and then all was well.
Anyone know what a cable change run's ?
AGAIN THANKS GUYS !!
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