Something happened in my steering column????

[zRobx71]

I have a 1997 Chevy Silverado 2WD 5.7L 350 and I've been having problems with it for a while. My transmission gave out in late December and I had it rebuilt in early January so that might have something to do with it. I don't believe it does because I've been having the problem for a really long time. My shifter or whatever it's called gets stuck and doesn't shift sometimes so I have to wiggle and jerk it to get it into drive or to get it to shift our of park. This morning I was doing what I usually do, wiggling it and it broke or something. The handle didn't break but something inside broke and the shifter is completely loose. The truck wouldn't fully turn off because it acted like it was still in gear until I put the shifter into the top with a little force it finally acted like it was back in park. I don't know what the heck is up with it but I'm sure that having to wiggle it everyday for the past few years probably had something to do with it...After just having spent $1,000 on a rebuilt transmission I don't really want to have to spend another $1,000 on this.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by zRobx71

I have a 1997 Chevy Silverado 2WD 5.7L 350 and I've been having problems with it for a while. My transmission gave out in late December and I had it rebuilt in early January so that might have something to do with it. I don't believe it does because I've been having the problem for a really long time. My shifter or whatever it's called gets stuck and doesn't shift sometimes so I have to wiggle and jerk it to get it into drive or to get it to shift our of park. This morning I was doing what I usually do, wiggling it and it broke or something. The handle didn't break but something inside broke and the shifter is completely loose. The truck wouldn't fully turn off because it acted like it was still in gear until I put the shifter into the top with a little force it finally acted like it was back in park. I don't know what the heck is up with it but I'm sure that having to wiggle it everyday for the past few years probably had something to do with it...After just having spent $1,000 on a rebuilt transmission I don't really want to have to spend another $1,000 on this.

most likely the shift cable needs replacing. look at the transmission cable connection . see if the transmission lever is not damaged or looks like someone bent it recently.

this old the cables do break. should not be too expensive.

[777stickman]

Your issue could also be with the BTSI System (Brake/Trans Shift Interlock) which requires the brake pedal to be depressed to move the shifter out of park with the engine running. Could also be something with the key locking mechanism. This locks the steering wheel and the shift lever in Park when the key is removed.

To check the BTSI, turn the key ONE click to the right. Do not turn the key to the RUN position. This should unlock the steering wheel and allow the shift lever to be moved out of the Park position with out depressing the brake pedal.

[zRobx71]

So I just had time to open up my steering column area today and I found out that my steering column shifting mechanism has split in half. I have the part with me and I just need to take off the other one which is very easy but one of the clips that clips over the ball joint that goes towards the engine on the old mechanism won't come off and I'm afraid to force it. The other side slid off very easily which worries me but the other one won't budge. How are you supposed to remove them? Oh and the part was approx. $166

[zRobx71]

Got everything replaced and all is well. Still having the problem where it locks up but only when the engine is cold...I'm not sure what the deal is. Anyone have any ideas?

[777stickman]

Originally Posted by zRobx71

Got everything replaced and all is well. Still having the problem where it locks up but only when the engine is cold...I'm not sure what the deal is. Anyone have any ideas?

Where what locks up???

[zRobx71]

Originally Posted by 777stickman

Where what locks up???

I may not have posted this at the top but the whole reason the mechanism broke was because when trying to shift out of park it is stuck in park. I've tried the test where you shut it off, turn it to on, and try to put it in neutral but that didn't work so it's not electronic apparently. It only lets me out of park when the truck has warmed up or I wiggle it with a good amount of force which is why it broke in the first place. I thought the reason was the shift interlock cable but being how the new mechanism replaced that entire assembly, that is no longer suspect.

[777stickman]

Originally Posted by zRobx71

I may not have posted this at the top but the whole reason the mechanism broke was because when trying to shift out of park it is stuck in park.. It only lets me out of park when the truck has warmed up or I wiggle it with a good amount of force which is why it broke in the first place.

Did you read my post about NOT TURNING THE KEY TO RUN OR ON To check the BTSI system?

What exactly is your reference to the shift interlock cable?

Two things I think you need!

1. A subscription to this site http://alldatadiy.com/

2. After an 85 mph flight over a hill, which you seem to be somewhat proud of, you need someone to reteach you how to pay attention when your driving!!

As for why the brakes didn't work prior to your flight I suspect you forgot where the brake pedal was!!


Good luck to you.

[zRobx71]

Originally Posted by 777stickman

Did you read my post about NOT TURNING THE KEY TO RUN OR ON To check the BTSI system?

What exactly is your reference to the shift interlock cable?

Two things I think you need!

1. A subscription to this site http://alldatadiy.com/

2. After an 85 mph flight over a hill, which you seem to be somewhat proud of, you need someone to reteach you how to pay attention when your driving!!

As for why the brakes didn't work prior to your flight I suspect you forgot where the brake pedal was!!


Good luck to you.

I'm not proud of it at all and I don't need more training. If you lool at the steering column shift mechanism you'll see a cable that comes from underneath the shifter and plugs into the ignition switch area right at the end of the tumbler slot.b That's the shift interlock cable. I was working on it today and it functions correctly so I think its the ignition switch that needs to be replaced. I hit the brake pedal or else I would've sped.

[777stickman]

Ok, so enough about your flight and lack of brakes @ 85 mph!! Save that for another time.

What you're not getting here is that there are two tranny shift lever interlock systems. One is the cable you spoke of that is the mechanical lock when you take the key out. The other is the BTSI system that requires the brake pedal be depressed to get it out of park with the engine running. You with me so far??

The key has 4 positions. 1) is LOCK, you can take the key out. 2) is Off, you can't take the key out. 3) is ON/RUN. 4) is CRANK. You still with me??

To check the BTSI system the key needs to be in the OFF position. Now you should be able to move the shift lever without doing any thing else.

[zRobx71]

Originally Posted by 777stickman

Ok, so enough about your flight and lack of brakes @ 85 mph!! Save that for another time.

What you're not getting here is that there are two tranny shift lever interlock systems. One is the cable you spoke of that is the mechanical lock when you take the key out. The other is the BTSI system that requires the brake pedal be depressed to get it out of park with the engine running. You with me so far??

The key has 4 positions. 1) is LOCK, you can take the key out. 2) is Off, you can't take the key out. 3) is ON/RUN. 4) is CRANK. You still with me??

To check the BTSI system the key needs to be in the OFF position. Now you should be able to move the shift lever without doing any thing else.

I've determined that it's the ignition switch. There is no more need to discus this.