not going into 'park' steering column broken?

[GN_Nomad]

I recently got the GN running, and I was preparing to install the stedfast column guard. The car was broken into and the column and indicator are broken. In replacing the turn signal stalk i had was wiggling everything around trying to re-run the wire, and i tried to move a small "bar" out of the way.
Fist what is that bar and how do i "put it back" ? The car no longer engages "park" locking the wheels and i can't help but feel like it has to do with that bar.

 

[novaderrik]

you need a new column... only then can you worry about why it won't go into park...

 

[charlief1]

If I remember right there's a complete guide over at GNttype on how to rebuild the column with pics included.

 

[belsie]

Could you not just p/up a good G-Body column with floor shift and / or not use the column shift (if so equipped) making many more available options? The park problem lies most likely in the linkage underneath from trans lever to lower column lever. try disconnect at lower column & move linkage by hand from 1st point thru to trans.

 

[earlbrown]

There's an order or operations to setting up all the linkage...

First you have to adjust the shifter cable so that the detents on the shifter coincide with the 'clicks' on the transmission.

Next you have to adjust the steel rod that runs up the firewall so that the column neck if fully counter-clockwise when in 'Park'. That has to be set right so the keys can be removed and lock the steering wheel.

Then you have to have a second person or a mirror to adjust the ratcheting reverse switch. (on my car the reverse lights turned on for 11 clicks. I set it in the middle but had to go back and adjust it a couple of clicks so my reverse lights would come on consistently).

 

[GN_Nomad]

Maybe i was unclear, the car goes into part and i can remove the key. The issue is once in park the car will still roll. It was fine before i started pulling at that 'bar' to make some room for the indicator cable. I can still start the car, drive it forward and in reverse, its just when i put it into park it will still roll. My gut says that bar has something to do with it, but i don't know if it is possible to just wiggle it back into place or if i'll need to dissasemble the whole column. I've been looking at this site, but i can't see where that bar plays in.
I really don't have much time to work on the car, does anyone have an idea about what this would cost to have repaired? Is it jut a matter of saying "replace the steering column" and it will all be done?

 

[earlbrown]

If your shifter cable is putting the transmission in park and it still rolls, that's an internal transmission problem.

 

[RmvBfrFlght]

I would check the linkage at the transmission to see if it is actually in the park position. If the column is messed up it may be stopping the trans arm from fully going into park to engage the park pawl.

RemoveBeforeFlight

 

[Clark6]

Yea try the linkage first where it goes to the transmission, matter of fact disconnect it by pulling the carter pin and rod out of its holder on the transmission.
gently take pliers or screw driver and turn that transmission connection all the way counter clocwise then it should be in Park position,
then see if the car rolls.
If not you're just out of adjustment with your linkage rod or on up to the column.. If it rolls --like Earl says internal trans problem, but not likely since it didn't do it before you start messing with the column.

With the car slightly raised up with jacks then let back down shouldn't take you but about 15minutes to check it out.

 

[precizion818]

I just came in 15 mins ago from adjusting mine. You can reach the linkages without jacking the car up. Had same problem with mine

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[GN_Nomad]

I'll go check that in just a few, I think that may be the issue. When the indicator is in 'N' the car is in Drive, so i'd imagine thats the issue. I haven't crawled under this car yet, where exactly should I look for the linkage?

 

[precizion818]

Driver side of transmission

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[Buick Mark]

Check the cotter pin

 

[GN_Nomad]

So I got under the car and was able to put it into park and everything stays so the issue is just an adjustment. Thanks for all the help.
Next it’s on to replacing the column, and I guess getting the steering wheel re-covered. Is there anything else I should take care of while replacing the column?

Might as well go broke all at once rather than piece by piece….

 

[GN_Nomad]

And has anyone ever ordered a re-covered wheel from ebay seller "1joe208" or is there a board sponsor that I can buy from?