GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Shift Control Cable Adjustment

    Notice: Adjust the shift control cable only while the transaxle and the gear selector are in NEUTRAL. Failure to do so may cause mis-adjustment.

  1. Set the parking brake and chock the wheels.

  2. Object Number: 97521  Size: SH
  3. Remove the shift cable terminal from the transmission manual shaft lever pin.
  4. Pry on the shift cable terminal at the manual shaft lever pin with an appropriate tool. Prying or pulling up on any other part of the shift cable may result in damage to the shift cable .

  5. Object Number: 97542  Size: SH
  6. Fully lift the adjuster lock button. Ensure that the adjuster is free to move.
  7. Place the transmission manual shaft lever in (N) Neutral. In order to find (N) Neutral, rotate the lever fully counter-clockwise to (P) Park, and then clockwise 2 clicks into (N) Neutral.
  8. Place the gear shifter inside the car to the (N) Neutral position.
  9. • Floor shift -- use the transmission shift indicator on the console to find (N) Neutral.
    • Column shift -- rotate the shift lever to the LOW 1 position, fully down. Push forward on the lever and at the same time, push up slowly. The gear shift lever will move up while clicking over the gear over the travel stops. When the lever stops solidly, it is in (N) Neutral. Release the lever.
  10. Underhood, grasp the shift cable terminal and pull it toward the pin on the manual shaft lever. The shift cable adjuster spring should compress as the terminal is moved toward the pin.
  11. Attach the pin to the lever by pushing down carefully until it snaps.
  12. Do not pull the terminal beyond the pin and then push back. This action could move the shifter out of (N) Neutral.


    Object Number: 97544  Size: SH
  13. Press the adjuster lock button down flush with the adjuster body.
  14. Shift to (P) Park and release the parking brake while applying the service brake.
  15. Start the engine and assure all of the indicated gear positions match the vehicle response.