Transmission Gear Range Selector Difficult to Shift (Replace Transmission Shift cable and BTSI Solenoid)

Some owners may comment that the transmission range selector is difficult to move/shift.

The original shift cable may be binding and/or allowing too much friction to build up within the cable sheathing and the internal cable.

Replace the shift cable, P/N 12454863, and the brake transmission interlock solenoid (BTSI), P/N 26064467, with a new design on the 1998 model Buick Century as instructed below. For 1999 models, replace only the transmission shift cable with P/N 12458110.

1. Open the hood, install fender covers to the vehicle.
2. Set the parking brake, block wheels and with the key in the OFF position, put the transmission lever in neutral.
3. Disable the SIR system.
4. Remove the air inlet duct from the engine throttle body and disconnect 2 electrical harnesses.
5. Remove the shift cable from the shift control lever (at transmission).
6. Remove the shift cable retainer clip and cable from the shift control bracket.
7. Remove the shift cable from the inner fender retaining clip.
8. Remove the lower I/P insulator panel and disconnect 1 electrical connector.
9. Remove the knee bolster bracket and the panel (4 bolts, 4 screws).
10. Remove the shift cable from the shift control lever.
11. Remove the retainer clip and the shift cable from the bracket.

Important: The following three steps only apply if the vehicle being repaired is a 1998 model. Do not make any changes to the BTSI solenoid on 1999 model vehicles.

12. Remove the electrical connector from the BTSI solenoid.
13. Remove the connector clip from the shift linkage and remove the BTSI solenoid from the bracket.
14. Install the revised BTSI solenoid to the bracket, attach the retaining clip and the electrical connector.
15. Reposition the cable out from under the airbox noting the original routing for replacement cable. Remove the cable from the vehicle by pulling the cable through the front of the dash grommet and out the engine compartment.
16. Install the new shift cable through the front of the dash grommet.

Figure 1




17. Route the new cable under the air inlet box and back to the transmission shift lever (transmission end). Refer to Figure 1.
18. Install the shift cable to the transmission bracket and install the retaining clip.
19. Install the shift cable to the transmission gear switch.
20. Install the shift cable to the gear selector level (in car).
21. Install the shift cable to the bracket on the steering column and lock in with the assurance clip.



22. Raise the adjuster clip (located where the two cables meet). Refer to Figure 2.
23. Depress the adjuster clip once, line up the end fittings so that they slide together and lock securely.
24. Depress the adjuster clip completely. This locks the cable into its adjusted service position.
25. Run the transmission selector through all gear ranges and the PARK position several times.
26. Confirm proper operation of the PRNDL display.

Important: Proper operation of the PRNDL display includes checking that the range indicated on the display coincides with the actual gear selected. Also check that the shift lever is free to travel to the extremes of its range (P and L). Confirm that the brake pedal must be depressed in order to shift out of Park.

27. Adjust the cable manually at the connection point where the cable comes together (if required). Unlock the cable assurance clip and push or pull on the cable to adjust. Lock the clip and retest. Repeat until adjusted.
28. Install the knee bolster bracket and panel.
29. Install the insulator panel and 1 electrical connector.
30. Enable the SIR system.
31. Release the parking brake and remove the wheel chocks.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: