1999 Saturn SC2 Shifter Cable problem?

CMRM8TRIX

MEMBER
1999 SATURN SC2
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
14,835 MILES

1999 Saturn SC2 5 Speed, Shifter Cables issues. I have had the Shifter cables, Linkage, Housing etc. Replaced 5 times in the last 18 months. The first time the cotter pin or whatever you call it that connects the cable to the shifter arm broke on the upper set. The second time, the bottom set same deal. The third time the we replaced the cables and bent the pins so they could not slip out again. The fourth time we replaced the whole cable housing assembly. This time, I can see that the upper set has come apart again. I've done a lot of reading, and apparently this is a very common problem. I also have a friend that has the same make and model as mine, and has had the exact same problem with theirs. I want to know if there is anything that can be done to fix this problem once and for all. I am a disabled widow and cannot afford to keep paying to have the same problem fixed time and time again. Please don't bother mentioning that the mechanic should honor their work and fix something that they just fixed that broke again. It's a moot point. Secondly, is there a mechanic in the Statesville, NC area that has an excellent reputation for their work and customer service? I think that if I had good diagrams that I could fix this myself? From how the mechanic explained it to me, and from what I can see when I look down under the hood, I'm hoping that it is a relatively easy fix.

5 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

Let's start with a little more detail did the cable end come apart on the inside of the car at the base of the shifter where you change gears?Or on the outside and if it's the outside did the cable end come apart or did the metal clip that holds the cable end on the transmission come off?If your putting in aftermarket cable's like the doorman brand then I have read alot of bad customer reviews about them saying they break shortly after putting them in. Let me know.

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Saturday, July 17th, 2010 AT 3:51 PM

CMRM8TRIX

MEMBER
3 POSTS

OK it was on the outside, It was the metal clip that holds the cable end to the transmission the first three times. I have called the mechanic, he says that he does not remember the brand and that it must be a mechanical failure (his way of trying to say that it must be a Saturn thing - or that I am driving in an inappropriate way) either way, he will not fix it again without me paying him again. I've already paid three times out of the five - $230 bucks each time plus the cost of towing twice. I did manage to get the car home the last time this happened, but it has been sitting in the driveway for the last three months - and being disabled makes it hard enough for me to get out and about, but being without my car is just horrible. I can't even do the simple things without begging a ride from someone. Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide. I really do appreciate it.
Charlene

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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 10:53 AM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

So what happened this time did the cable end break?Or dis the clip come off also inside or outside?

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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 3:10 PM

CMRM8TRIX

MEMBER
3 POSTS

This time, it must be on the inside, because both the upper and lower sets appear to be connected with the clips. This time Reverse and lower gears are out if I remember correctly. I feel like such an idiot. I love my Saturn, it's the second one I've had. The first one gave me over 280K miles on it when I gave it to my baby brother. That's been over 10 years ago. It's still going for him. Back to my problem. I really appreciate your helping me figure out what the problem is. I would donate if I had anything extra at all. I have like 80 cents in my bank account, at least my bills are paid for this month.

Brightest Blessings,
Charlene

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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 7:27 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

Here's what I want you to do pop out that plastic cup holder by your cig lighter port. Then look threw the opening to see if the outer shift cable has come off the base of the shifter where you shift the gear's. Let me know what you find.