shifter wont lock

[Mack V]

Ok, here is the problem. I can put my car in reverse, neutral, and then drive without pressing the shift handle button. I can even pull it out of park without pressing the button. I tried to adjust the plastic piece that runs the length of the handle, replace the spring and look for any missing pieces. I pulled the concole out to look how everything works and it seems when you press the button the lever moves down (away from the slot) and allows the car to be put in gear. Well, even when the metal piece is fully up in the slot, I can still put it in gear. What gives. Is there anything else to look for?

 

[Mack V]

ttt

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by Mack V
.......it seems when you press the button the lever moves down (away from the slot) and allows the car to be put in gear. Well, even when the metal piece is fully up in the slot, I can still put it in gear. What gives. Is there anything else to look for?

If the end of the "J" shaped rod is in the detent slot, no way it can move out. Will get out an old shifter tomorrow to check what you are saying and see if I can help.

 

[Mack V]

I would appreciate that very much. I am not really familiar with the setup. I do know that the j-hook is in the slot and I can still pull it back into gear without pressing the button.

Thanks

 

[GNVAIR]

Check to make sure the small spring on the bottom didnt break. Its very common and when it breaks, it will allow the j hook to fall out of the detent slots.

 

[Mack V]

I have checked the spring already. I even replaced it with a new one and still no luck. Anyone?

 

[timothydog]

Mack,

If the spring is put on correctly it is impossible to pull it out of park. The spring should be pushing the small side of the "J" up into a metal detent. My guess is that you maybe didn't put the spring back in it's normal position.. or there isn't enough force pushing the "J" rod up.

HTH
Tim

 

[Mack V]

I just re-checked the shifter. The spring is pressing up against the j-hook and the metal is protruding through the slot. I do not even have the handle on the shifter and I can still pull it into gear with little effort. Any other ideas.

 

[timothydog]

So when you say the metal is protruding through the slot do you mean it's sticking up out of the shifter shaft or do you mean the short side is sticking into the metal detent underneath the console? Because you shouldn't be able to move it when it's in the detent.

 

[Mack V]

The part that moves up and down through the slot is up. When I press the shifter button the j-hook moves down out of the slot.

 

[timothydog]

I don't know what to tell you Mack.

I don't know how you could possibly be moving your shifter out of park without pressing down on the J-rod against the springs resistance (as long as things are in the right place.) unless you are He-man or something

 

[Phatman]

Mine's the same way.......I gave up....

You can only take something appart so many times before you loose your mind.

You know after awhile it doesn't seem to matter any more.

 

[Mack V]

Anyone else have any ideas. I am clueless. My buddies does the same thing, but his could be the spring is weak.

 

[KEVINS]

What does the detents look like where the J rides on? The detents should be a very sharp stair step pattern. Does the J have a "slot" or groove cut out of the lower portion of the J? If the end of the J was riding on the detent long enough maybe it wore a groove in it?

If you do not push the button at all can you move it from park to first just by moving the lever?

There is still something your not telling us....

1. Put the tranny in PARK. Look at the J hook. There is a special detent/groove that the J should "lock" into. Make sure it is in this slot all the way pulled up by the spring. If it's not, then the shifter cable needs adjusting so the handel will slide back farther towards the dash.

2. Part of what you are saying is perfectly NORMAL. You should be able to pull the shifter from Reverse all the way into Drive w/o pushing the button but it should STOP at Drive. Then you should be able to push it directly into Neutral w/o using the button. You will have to push the button to get it into Reverse or Park. From Drive, you will have to push the button to get it into 2nd or 1st.

At what times do you NEED to use the button?

ks

 

[Mack V]

I can have the car in park and locked and I can turn the key and pull it out of park to reverse, neutral and drive without pressing the button. I will look at the indent as you speak of more closely in the light. I really appreciate you all helping me. I have the mechanical ability but the buicks are new to me. I cant wait to drive the car.

 

[timothydog]

Don't worry Mack.
We'll get you fixed one way or another.
You're definitely going to have to get the console up and out of the way again and get it so you can see the detent and the step pattern that it should be running along.

Once you do that, describe what you think is going on.