Hey everyone,
Been trying to figure out why the column shifter on my friends 98' Sierra is so difficult to move into gear.(Automatic trans) Here's what I've done: I inspected the shift mechanism under the plastic cover and found it broken. I replaced it and still have the problem. Then I removed the interlock solenoid assembly completely. I thought that would override the safety circuit and allow easier shifting. No luck. I did replace the safety switch on the lower column that's tied into the brake lights and still no luck. With the solenoid removed I figured that would eliminate the interlock system and ease shifting. Next I disconnected the shift cable at the transmission and shifted it by hand and it moved freely. So I figured the trans was ok. I inspected the entire length of the shift cable under the truck and in the cab under the floor mat all the way to it's attachment point on the shift mechanism on the column. I saw nothing that looked worn or damaged in any way. Today I'm going to disconnect the cable at the trans and see if I can get the shifter to move freely. That's my last resort as I can't think of anything else that could be the issue. BTW, the brake lights work consistently but I can't see why that would matter with the solenoid disconnected. Is it possible that trans cable is messed up even though it appears good? I don't see a way that the shift mechanism on the column prevents shifting other than by the interlock circuit. What am I missing? This truck is driven by my friend who is 93 years old and it just kills me to see him have to wrench on this shifter to get it in gear. So yes it can be forced into gear but that new shift mechanism won't last long if that continues.
This apparently is a common issue for these older trucks and I've searched several forums, tried many things and still no luck.
Please help if you can,
Jcris
Been trying to figure out why the column shifter on my friends 98' Sierra is so difficult to move into gear.(Automatic trans) Here's what I've done: I inspected the shift mechanism under the plastic cover and found it broken. I replaced it and still have the problem. Then I removed the interlock solenoid assembly completely. I thought that would override the safety circuit and allow easier shifting. No luck. I did replace the safety switch on the lower column that's tied into the brake lights and still no luck. With the solenoid removed I figured that would eliminate the interlock system and ease shifting. Next I disconnected the shift cable at the transmission and shifted it by hand and it moved freely. So I figured the trans was ok. I inspected the entire length of the shift cable under the truck and in the cab under the floor mat all the way to it's attachment point on the shift mechanism on the column. I saw nothing that looked worn or damaged in any way. Today I'm going to disconnect the cable at the trans and see if I can get the shifter to move freely. That's my last resort as I can't think of anything else that could be the issue. BTW, the brake lights work consistently but I can't see why that would matter with the solenoid disconnected. Is it possible that trans cable is messed up even though it appears good? I don't see a way that the shift mechanism on the column prevents shifting other than by the interlock circuit. What am I missing? This truck is driven by my friend who is 93 years old and it just kills me to see him have to wrench on this shifter to get it in gear. So yes it can be forced into gear but that new shift mechanism won't last long if that continues.
This apparently is a common issue for these older trucks and I've searched several forums, tried many things and still no luck.
Please help if you can,
Jcris