What is it for?

[my1stgn]

There is a metal link that goes from near the brake booster in the engine bay, down to the side of the frame towards the back and sits near the proportioning valve. It then bolts on to the linkage that is attatched to the transmission range/gear selector. What is this for and do I need it hooked up? I cant figure out how it goes or what it does. Thanks!

 

[mikestertwo]

On a floor shift car it operates the steering wheel lock plus your park/neutral switch. On a column shift car it operates the shift lever on the transmission.

 

[my1stgn]

So then am I supposed to hook it up to the trans in park right? Cause when I try to move it out of park that rod won't let it move. Any suggestions?

 

[Rosewood T-Type]

Yes

 

[mikestertwo]

So then am I supposed to hook it up to the trans in park right? Cause when I try to move it out of park that rod won't let it move. Any suggestions?

Are you sure you have the linkage assembled right? You may have it assembled backwards.

 

[my1stgn]

Are you sure you have the linkage assembled right? You may have it assembled backwards.

Can you post pics of how its supposed to be assemblied? I just went off memory and you know how that goes. Plus I couldnt find any pics on re-installing the trans.

 

[Rosewood T-Type]

If you have a floor shift car then just disconnect it. It is not used for anything on a floorshift car.
Doug

 

[unix_punk]

You do need it on a floor shift car otherwise it will not rotate the column to let you put/pull your key in/out... I left this loose and I couldn't figure out why I couldnt get my damn key out one day...

 

[unix_punk]

Sorry, late follow up, It wont let you move out of park unless your key is turned...

 

[mikestertwo]

It also operates the P/N switch which the computer looks at.

 

[my1stgn]

pics?

 

[Rosewood T-Type]

You do need it on a floor shift car otherwise it will not rotate the column to let you put/pull your key in/out... I left this loose and I couldn't figure out why I couldnt get my damn key out one day...

If its not hooked up then it wont turn the column so no issue removing the key!

 

[mikestertwo]

Here's a pic.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/mikestertwo/IMG_3406.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

 

[unix_punk]

Unless the column gets bumped and moves and you didn't realize it... My problem stemmed from it being loose as opposed to completely off. So I was able to start the car shift and everything, then when the console was in park, the column wasnt so I couldnt get the key out until I realized that I needed to turn the column. It is also used to lock the floor shifter so that you cant move it from park without the key turned, if I didn't mention that already.