Shifter does not lock into position

[626gn]

My shifter can move into any gear without depressing the shifter button. I'm guessing its a J rod shifter spring problem but not sure. Anybody know?

 

[The Darkside]

Just take the shifter handle off(u shaped clip holds it on) & turn the plastic piece thats sticking up a few turns(it's kinda off white colored)I don't remember which way to turn it, but just try either way & then slip the handle back on & check it...

 

[jpratt]

If the J rod is bent it would let the shifter free shift. I bent mine a couple weeks ago releasing the transbrake and bent mine. Would slide everywhere but into park.

 

[brif]

I had the same thing happen to mine. The J rod spring wasn't in the correct position. I moved it around and all was well.

 

[626gn]

Just take the shifter handle off(u shaped clip holds it on) & turn the plastic piece thats sticking up a few turns(it's kinda off white colored)I don't remember which way to turn it, but just try either way & then slip the handle back on & check it...

Is that plastic piece supposed to stick up past the top of the chrome stem? Mine is about 1/2" inside the stem. Turning it counter clockwise seems to raise it but not sure how much I'm supposed to turn it. Tried turning it in both directions several times but the problem still remains.

 

[626gn]

If the J rod is bent it would let the shifter free shift. I bent mine a couple weeks ago releasing the transbrake and bent mine. Would slide everywhere but into park.

Bent J rod is unlikely unless it can be bent with normal driving. Will probably have to pull the console to see whats going on so I guess time will tell...

 

[The Darkside]

Yes, the plastic piece is supoosed to stick up past the chrome stem, so if yours isn't then screw it up till it works correctly. .... I remember right, I had to turn it several times to make mine work right...

 

[grey racer]

Had to replace my handle with a new one.....the white plastic rod sticks out about 1/4 inch and the slanted side faces the steering wheel. When you push in on the shift knob button
it engages the plastic rod and pushes it down which makes the magic happen....adjust the height of the rod....not much tolerance for error. You'll get it... and by the way, you do know that you can change gears with the collar on the steering column !!!

 

[626gn]

Appreciate the replies guys. After turning the plastic rod as much as it would go and still couldn't get it high enough, I pulled the top plate of the shifter off and found the J rod shifter spring had broke off. That's why I couldn't raise the plastic rod to where it should be. I see Brian has the replacement spring and will be ordering one but does anybody know how it goes on? Or better yet have a pic? Thanks again.

 

[The Darkside]

Glad to hear you found the problem...I've never had to replace the J rod spring, but I got the following info from a few different members who had replied to some older threads on how to hook up the J Rod spring..... Here ya go...

First one: I think it's hooked up like a "u" under the the rod that travels inside the shifter (in front and at the rear), pushing the rod upwards. If left out, when you press the release button on the handle, there won't be much "resistance", or very little, and could allow the shifter to move if hit by mistake.

2nd one: near the bottom of the crhome handle where its is welded the the plate that goes to the left and right sides of shifter is where the spring goes , hook it on the front of the plate wrap it under the J- rod and then hook on the other side .

3rd one: youll see the slot to the left of the handle , thats where to hook the spring

 

[626gn]

Glad to hear you found the problem...I've never had to replace the J rod spring, but I got the following info from a few different members who had replied to some older threads on how to hook up the J Rod spring..... Here ya go...

First one: I think it's hooked up like a "u" under the the rod that travels inside the shifter (in front and at the rear), pushing the rod upwards. If left out, when you press the release button on the handle, there won't be much "resistance", or very little, and could allow the shifter to move if hit by mistake.

2nd one: near the bottom of the crhome handle where its is welded the the plate that goes to the left and right sides of shifter is where the spring goes , hook it on the front of the plate wrap it under the J- rod and then hook on the other side .

3rd one: youll see the slot to the left of the handle , thats where to hook the spring

Thanks Darkside. Will try it out when I get the spring. Appreciate the research!

 

[SIXBANGR]

I fixed my spring with a small paper clip. Use it to replace the end that broke off. FREE