GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Cavalier 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Park Lock Cable Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  2. Remove the console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  3. Remove the knee bolster.
  4. Loosen the lower steering column bracket bolts.
  5. Lower the steering column.
  6. Place the transmission shift lever in the PARK position.

    7. Important: Do not proceed to the next step with the key in any position other than the RUN position.

  7. Turn the ignition key to the RUN position.

    8. Object Number: 104584 Size: SH
  8. Insert a screwdriver blade into the slot provided in the ignition switch inhibitor.
  9. Depress the cable latch. Pull the control cable from the inhibitor.

    10. Object Number: 104585 Size: SH
  10. Push the cable connector lock button at the shifter base to the up position.
  11. Unsnap the cable from the park/lock lever pin.
  12. Depress the two cable latches. Remove the control cable latches from the automatic transmission control.
  13. Remove the control cable clips.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 104585 Size: SH

    Important: When installing a new park/lock cable, keep the shipping cover gauge attached until you are instructed to detach it. The shipping cover gauge will aid in the proper positioning of the cable.

  1. Ensure that the cable lock button is in the up position. Place the shift lever in the PARK position.
  2. Snap the control cable connector into the automatic transmission control.
  3. Place the ignition key in the RUN position.

    4. Object Number: 104584 Size: SH

    Important: Do not insert the cable with the key in any position other than the RUN position.

  4. Snap the control cable into the inhibitor housing until the snap lock is seated.
  5. Remove the shipping cover gauge.
  6. Turn the key to the LOCK position.

    7. Object Number: 104585 Size: SH
  7. Snap the control cable end onto the shift park/lock lever pin.
  8. Push the cable connector hose forward in order to remove any slack.
  9. With no load applied to the connector nose, snap the cable connector lock button down.

    10. Object Number: 104584 Size: SH

    Important: Inspect for proper operation of the park/lock control cable before installing the steering column to the instrument panel.

  10. Raise and connect the steering column.
  11. Tighten the lower steering column bracket bolts.
  12. Install the knee bolster.
  13. Install the console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console
  14. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.

Inspection Procedure

    Important: 

       • There must be no gap between the metal terminal stop and the protruding end of the white plastic collar. If there is a gap between the terminal stop and the collar, adjust the position of the park lock cable.
       • The white plastic collar must be flush or recessed about 1 mm (0.04 in) within the ignition park lock housing. If the white plastic collar is not in the proper location, adjust the position of the park lock cable.

  1. Ensure that the terminal stop on the column end of the park/lock cable is touching the white collar that protrudes from the ignition switch. Complete the following steps in order to inspect:
    2. 1.1. Turn the column lock cylinder to the LOCK position.
    1.2. Place the floor shift lever into the PARK position.
    1.3. Verify the correct position of the terminal stop.
  2. Ensure that the white plastic collar travel does not exceed 1.5 mm (0.06 in). In order to inspect the white plastic collar travel, complete the following steps:
    3. 2.1. Ensure that the column lock cylinder remains in the Lock position.
    2.2. Ensure that the floor shift lever remains in the PARK position.
    2.3. Gently depress the park/lock button on the floor shift lever until resistance is felt.
    2.4. Inspect that the white plastic collar travels no more than 1.5 mm (0.06 in). The floor shift lever must not come out of PARK.
  3. With the column lock cylinder On, verify proper movement of the floor shift lever through all of the gear selections.
  4. While moving the floor shift lever through all of the drive gears, verify that the column lock cylinder cannot be turned to the Lock position.
  5. Ensure that the key can be removed with the column lock cylinder in the Lock position and the floor shift lever in the PARK position.

    6. Important: There are 5 inspections that verify proper installation. The installation must pass all 5 tests.

  6. Adjust the park/lock cable.