Pinpoint Test C: The Shift Control Linkage Is Binding

C1 CHECK THE SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE FOR DAMAGE
- Key in ACCESSORY position.
- Apply the brake pedal.
- Move the gearshift lever through the gear ranges.
- Does the gearshift lever go through all the gear ranges freely?
1. YES : Concern is intermittent.
2. NO : Go to C2.
C2 CHECK THE SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE WITH THE SHIFT CABLE DISCONNECTED FROM THE TRANSAXLE
- Key in OFF position.
- Position the air cleaner housing outlet aside.
- Disconnect the shift cable from the manual control lever at the transaxle.
- Key in ACCESSORY position.
- Apply the brake pedal.
- Move the gearshift lever through the gear ranges.
- Does the gearshift lever go through all the gear ranges freely?
1. YES : Go to C3.
2. NO : Go to C4.
C3 CHECK THE MANUAL CONTROL LEVER AT THE TRANSMISSION
- Leave the shift cable disconnected from the manual control lever at the transmission.
- Move the manual control lever at the transmission through all the gear ranges.
- Does the manual control lever at the transmission go through all the gear ranges freely?
1. YES : Go to C4.
2. NO : REFER to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION article. Problem may be internal to the transmission.
C4 CHECK THE SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE OPERATION WITH THE SHIFT CABLE DISCONNECTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect the shift cable from the steering column assembly.
- Key in ACCESSORY position.
- Apply the brake pedal.
- Move the gearshift lever through the gear ranges.
- Does the gearshift lever go through all the gear ranges freely?
1. YES : INSTALL a new shift cable and bracket. REFER to Selector Lever Cable and Bracket .
2. NO : REFER to STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for steering column repair.