Automatic shifter went loose?

Tiny
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.
Monday, January 1st, 2024 AT 5:51 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,126 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.
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Monday, January 1st, 2024 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
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?
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Monday, January 1st, 2024 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
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.
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Monday, January 1st, 2024 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,126 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
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Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
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.
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Thursday, January 4th, 2024 AT 1:04 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,126 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I was hoping it was a simple fix. It's odd that both things need to be replaced. If one broke, the other shouldn't have, but anything is possible.

Regardless, let me know if there is anything I can do to help or if you have other questions. Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, January 4th, 2024 AT 5:43 PM

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