Is there an adjustment for the gear shift cable?

[unioncreek]

The shift indicator on the console doesn't align with where it should be. When it is in drive the orange indicator is between D and N. Is there an adjustment on the shift cable to get it back in the right position. The only problem I have with it not being in the right spot is, it will not shift into overdrive if the gear shift is not in the right position.

BobG

[ugsrich]

The answer is YES. The how specifically is not clear to me. The description and illustration in the manual is poor and I've never done it. However, it appears that you there is something called a lock-tab that holds the cable in place at the transaxle. You first remove this "lock-tab". Doing this allows free movement of the cable assembly. You then rotate the transaxle shift lever from PARK into Neutral. Then, you climb in the vehicle and place the shift control (stick) to the location that indicated Neutral on the console. You then go back to the engine compartment and push the lock-tab back in place.

That appears to be the basic process. As I say, the illustration is poor and the description I've provided is as good as the manual.

Anyone - elaboration?

[kayaman420]

I think its much easier than that. That procedure sounds like what is needed if the cable is way off or needs to be replaced. For a minor tweaking I think you can just take of that center console and move it where you want to.

[ugsrich]

Having never performed the operation myself on any vehicle I chose to paraphrase the description from the GM Service Manual for the 1995 G Platform Aurora/Riviera. I presume that there may be all sorts of various ways to tweak the position. The origianl posting inquiry refered specifically to an "adjustment on the shift cable". The description in the GM Service Manual was from a section specifically directed at "adjusting" the cable.

Has anyone actually "adjusted" and/or tweaked the cable? Or are we all just guessing at how we might try to "adjust"/tweak it? Please weigh-in with your specific experience! Or, if unioncreek would care to elaborate on attempts to correct the situation to this point it may help narrow the potential solution options.

No matter what, have a nice day!

[ugsrich]

Since posting my previous reply I decided I better go back and get my facts straight. I rechecked the index in the GM Service Manual described earlier seeking and entry pertaining to tweaking the shift cable. No where could I find any such description. Additionally, whilst there may be some simple solution, I am rather confident that removing the console is not necessarily any more expedient an undertaking than the "adjustment" process I paraphrased from the manual. The plastic components can be difficult to remove and are prone to breakage. I've had some of my console apart, but not sufficiently to get directly to the shift lever mechanism itself so I can not comment specifically. My general experience with interlocking plastic interior components is that great care to avoid breakage. To get the console out of one of my 2001 Olds Aleros I found it easier to first remove the two front seats. And even then, the snap-fit components nearly give me a heart-attack everytime I push or pull one free.

[Isnibs]

Originally Posted by ugsrich

The answer is YES. The how specifically is not clear to me. The description and illustration in the manual is poor and I've never done it. However, it appears that you there is something called a lock-tab that holds the cable in place at the transaxle. You first remove this "lock-tab". Doing this allows free movement of the cable assembly. You then rotate the transaxle shift lever from PARK into Neutral. Then, you climb in the vehicle and place the shift control (stick) to the location that indicated Neutral on the console. You then go back to the engine compartment and push the lock-tab back in place.

That appears to be the basic process. As I say, the illustration is poor and the description I've provided is as good as the manual.

Anyone - elaboration?

Remove air cleaner duct and housing.
Using a flat head screwdriver, pry the lock button on the shifter cable to the unlocked position.
Place transaxle shifter in neutral put stick shift in neutral.
Lock down.