'98 Camry Gear Shift

[strmh]

I've got a '98 Camry, 96000 miles....when I go to shift out of park to any gear, the shifter grinds and doesn't slide smoothly through the different gear selections.

It's not the trans grinding, but just the gear shift. I've had the console out twice and attempted to clean and lubricate the area around the selector knob...I also tried to send a little lubricant into the shift cable.

There's times when it works as smooth as silk, but then it'll go back to this grinding.

Any suggestions?

[Thundernaute]

I don't know but i could use some advice on getting the center console off on my 98 camry.Apparrently my shift interlock solenoid is sticky .Posssibly from a spilled beverage and I don't have a clue how to get to it.could you explain where all the hidden screws are?

[strmh]

I don't know where the solenoid is, but getting the console off isn't all that bad.

First, remove the plastic insert that surrounds the gear shift. It's only in there with clips. I'm able to remove it by getting my fingertips under it and prying it up and lifting it up over the gear shift. This insert also includes the aux 12v jack, so you'll have to unplug the wire coming in to the back of the jack. Removing this insert will expose some of the screws, and it also gives you access to quite a bit of area around the stick.

If you need to actually remove the console, empty the console storage compartment and take out the little piece of lining. You'll see two bolts and two screws. I'm pretty sure removing the two bolts will allow you to lift out the whole console.

That's about as far as I've gone so far...good luck.

[Thundernaute]

Thanks for the tips! I found the hidden console bolts in the storage compartment and removed themand the screws. The console still would not come out, it appeared to be hung up on the junction to the next piece by the shift lever. I pulled up gently and something snapped, but it still is attached somewhere. I quit and reassembled it for now. I plan to try again when I have more time. I'm hoping to see something with a flahlight from the rear looking under the console.