GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Shift Cable Adjustment Steering Column Shift

Important: Make sure all the shift controls and linkage are not damaged. Make sure the controls and linkage operate smoothly. Make sure that dirt and debris do not cause binding of the shift cable and the linkage. Select the required range selector lever position in order to make sure that no binding is felt during movement of the selector.

  1. Engage the parking brake.
  2. Make sure the ignition is in the OFF position.

  3. Object Number: 201492  Size: SH
  4. Remove the cotter pin and the clevis pin (3) that secures the clevis (2) to the steering column (1).

  5. Object Number: 201495  Size: SH
  6. Determine a vertical centerline (1) of the transmission manual shaft connected to the shift lever (2) as a point of reference.
  7. Move the transmission shift lever (2) from the park position (3) to the mechanical neutral position (4).

  8. Object Number: 201497  Size: SH
  9. Move the shift selector lever to the shift selector indicator neutral position (1).

  10. Object Number: 201492  Size: SH
  11. Adjust the clevis (2) on the shift cable in order to position the pin holes in alignment with the pin holes in the steering column (1).
  12. Install the clevis pin (3) into the pin holes through the clevis (2) and the steering column (1).
  13. Make sure the clevis pin (3) installs freely. If the clevis pin does not install freely, adjust the clevis (2) again.
  14. Install a new cotter pin into the clevis pin (3).

  15. Object Number: 201497  Size: SH
  16. Move the shift selector from the neutral position (1) to the park position. Move the shift selector back to the neutral position.

  17. Object Number: 201495  Size: SH
  18. Make sure the transmission engages in the mechanical park position (3) after the shift selector moves from the neutral position.
  19. 12.1. If the shift selector lever does not properly engage in the mechanical park (3) and the mechanical neutral (4) positions, adjust the shift cable clevis again.
    12.2. If the mechanical park (3) and mechanical neutral (4) positions do not properly engage after several adjustments, replace the shift cable. Refer to Shift Cable Replacement .
  20. Start the engine.
  21. Test the shift operation of the transmission.
  22. 14.1. Shift the selector lever through each drive range. Feel for full engagement in the transmission.
    14.2. Make sure the shift control linkage fully engages in each transmission detent position before the range selector hits the stop incorporated in the range selector.
    14.3. Note the position of the selector lever after each shift.
    14.4. Make sure the transmission detent for the reverse range does not engage until the selector is completely out of the neutral notch.

Shift Cable Adjustment Floor And Console Shift

Important: Make sure all the shift controls and linkage are not damaged. Make sure the controls and linkage operate smoothly. Make sure that dirt and debris do not cause binding of the shift cable and the linkage. Select the required range selector lever position in order to make sure that no binding is felt during movement of the selector.

  1. Engage the parking brake.
  2. Make sure the ignition is in the OFF position.

  3. Object Number: 201500  Size: SH
  4. Remove the clips securing the shift cable to the transmission.
  5. Remove the cotter pin and clevis pin securing the clevis to the transmission shift lever.

  6. Object Number: 201495  Size: SH
  7. Determine a vertical centerline (1) of the transmission manual shaft connected to the shift lever (2) as a point of reference.
  8. Move the transmission shift lever (2) from the park position (3) to the mechanical neutral position (4).
  9. Move the shift selector lever to the shift selector indicator neutral position.

  10. Object Number: 201500  Size: SH
  11. Adjust the clevis on the shift cable in order to position the pin holes in alignment with the pin holes in the transmission shift lever.
  12. Install the clevis pin into the pin holes through the clevis and the transmission shift lever.
  13. Make sure the clevis pin installs freely. If the clevis pin does not install freely, adjust the clevis again.
  14. Install the cotter pin into the clevis pin.
  15. Move the shift selector from the neutral position to the park position. Move the shift selector back to the neutral position.

  16. Object Number: 201495  Size: SH
  17. Make sure the transmission engages in the mechanical park position (3) after the shift selector moves from the neutral position.
  18. 13.1. If the shift selector lever does not properly engage in the mechanical park (3) and the mechanical neutral (4) positions, adjust the shift cable clevis again.
    13.2. If the mechanical park (3) and mechanical neutral (4) positions do not properly engage after several adjustments, replace the shift cable. Refer to Shift Cable Replacement or Shift Cable Replacement .
  19. Start the engine.
  20. Test the shift operation of the transmission.
  21. 15.1. Shift the selector lever through each drive range. Feel for full engagement in the transmission.
    15.2. Make sure the shift control linkage fully engages in each transmission detent position before the range selector hits the stop incorporated in the range selector.
    15.3. Note the position of the selector lever after each shift.
    15.4. Make sure the transmission detent for the reverse range does not engage until the selector is completely out of the neutral notch.