1997 Toyota Camry Won't Shift Gears - Linkage Problem

Tiny
KEITHBRIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
My son backed out of the driveway, and car would then not change gears - stuck in reverse. The shift lever moves back and forth with little resistance but the car stays in reverse. I suppose some sort of linkage is broken between the shifter and the transmission. Can this be easily repaired by an amateur mechanic?

Never posted anything here before but would be greatful for some guidance.
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 AT 4:53 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi keithbrian,

Check the linkage at the transmission end to check if it has been dislodged.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Saturday, June 5th, 2010 AT 8:32 AM
Tiny
KEITHBRIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Actually it turns out that the problem was that the base of the shifter, was disconnected from the metal rod that goes down through the floor to the transmission. By putting the round end of the rod back over the stem at the base of the shifter I was able to operate the car. However, there was apparently a small plastic piece that holds the rod onto the shifter base that had broken off. I now need to get that piece. I have someone checking the junkyard today. Any suggestions?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, June 10th, 2010 AT 8:33 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
That should be a plastic bush and it should be held in place by a washer and clip.

If you have difficulty getting the part, try snipping a short plastic hose ( those that they use for aquariums would do) to use as a bushing.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, June 11th, 2010 AT 8:55 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links