Automatic shifter went loose?

IRISHROSES4677

MEMBER
2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

A couple weeks ago, my shifter began to shift hard. I checked fluid levels etc, everything was fine. One night after shopping the shifter went completely loose. The car was started, but I wasn't going anywhere! A gentleman came out and looked under the consul and saw that something had come loose, and it was an easy fix, but it would still be a hard shift. Well, a couple nights ago it did it again! Thank goodness I was at my home and not stranded. A mobile mechanic came out and said I needed a brand new floor shifter, and someone else said it could be as simple as a bushing. AHHHHHHH When it did go loose, I heard a pop or a crack like something was stuck, and I learned words in every language known to man.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,320 POSTS

Hi,

Chances are the shifter itself isn't the problem, but it could be.

There is a shift cable that runs from the shifter inside the vehicle to the transmission under the hood. If it is loose and there is no resistance when shifting, the first thing I would suggest is to remove the center console and shift bezel. That way you can check if there are any broken parts, including where the cable attaches.

I attached the directions below for removing the console/bezel. Take a look through them and let me know if you are comfortable performing them.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, January 1st, 2024 AT 8:01 PM

IRISHROSES4677

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Yes, I can do that! Is there something in there, like the bushing that could cause that loud crack noise when I shifted it?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, January 1st, 2024 AT 8:10 PM

IRISHROSES4677

MEMBER
4 POSTS

And when I push down on the silver button (sorry don't know the terms) I can hear a faint click. I had a feeling it may have been something other than the whole shifter.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, January 1st, 2024 AT 8:13 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,320 POSTS

Hi,

It could have been a few things. The cable may have snapped. The only way to confirm is to take it apart.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 AT 6:26 PM

IRISHROSES4677

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hello! It was indeed the floor shifter, and it needs a new cable. I had enough and my mechanic has it. I just have to wait on a floor shifter (special order) and the cable. Sounds like it won't take too long to fix, they already have it pretty much apart just looking for the problem, haha.