Repairing column shift cable mechanism

Tiny
MRTONEG
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
I'm repairing my shifter cable, the plastic piece near the column shifter broke off while removing the ignition switch (it looked like it had been repaired before and was fragile). I found a steering wheel column from scrapyard with the part on it, but the wire was cut at the point that connects to the ignition switch. I was able to harvest all of the needed pieces from the steering wheel acquired from the scrapyard but, my question is what is the best way to fuse/connect the metal pin to the old wire? I was going to try some JB weld but wanted to see if there was a better way/idea?
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Monday, October 25th, 2021 AT 2:03 PM

20 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

I need to better understand what needs to be done. I looked in the manual and attached a pic below. Do you see the component that needs to be repaired?

Also, I attached a portion of your pic and circled two things. Is that what you are repairing?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Monday, October 25th, 2021 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
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No, that's not the component that I am repairing. The piece I'm repairing is underneath the shifter mechanism right below the gear shifter. The plastic part that connects the cable to the mechanism is what is broken. I had to get the plastic pieces off the scrapyard one to put on my old cable, since the cable is still intact and I haven't found a way to disconnect or swap out the cable. Also, I had to bend the aluminum pin to get it to fit with the cable, and that is what I'm going to jb weld together. Is there a certain length it should be? I included some more pics to show what I am talking about.
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Thursday, October 28th, 2021 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

They don't indicate length. If you have a good replacement, replace the entire thing. If you look below, I attached the directions specific to your vehicle for cable replacement.

If you still want to repair the part, can you single out the broken component? Looking at the pics makes it hard for me to identify.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, October 28th, 2021 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
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A new replacement is expensive for me right now, at about $180.00. The cable plugs into the back of the ignition switch. Not sure what the broken component is called, but it is in the pic with the one that I got from the scrapyard steering wheel. Sorry for the confusion, this particular job has been a learning experience to say the least!
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 5:47 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

I am so sorry, I looked at all the pics you included and can't determine which two parts you are trying to attach. Do me a favor. Take a look below at the linear shift assembly. Do you see the part there?

The idea that you want to connect plastic and a steel cable, you could try something like LB weld. However, I know the best choice for metal to plastic is going to be an epoxy.

I have used Permabond in the past, and it has held metal and plastic together well, but I can't guarantee it will work for this application.

If you look at pic 1 below, that is what I have used. Pic 2 is the linear shift assembly.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
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Yes, that is it! I was able to get all the plastic pieces I need without having to glue them together, but I did just bond metal to metal, I'll let you know how it turned out. I just had to glue the plastic part to the cable with the parts bonding at plastic and whatever the cable is made of. The part with the JB Weld is the metal pin and I'm waiting for that to cure then I'll sand it down to fit in nicely. Thanks!
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 9:22 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 10:25 PM
Tiny
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Well, the jb weld would not hold, putting the piece back onto the gear shift assembly was too much stress on it! I ended up getting the part and installed it, but now the car won't start. No turning over, just a click. I got a new ignition switch, but still won't start. Is it possible the transmission gear got out of gear? It seems like it's not in the right gear to start since it's not turning over at all. I had the starter checked too, and it's good.
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Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 AT 12:56 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

When you hear the click, is it coming from the starter? Also, have you confirmed the battery is charged?

As far as adjustment, see if it starts in neutral.

I attached the directions below for the adjustment of the cable to the range sensor.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
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I adjusted the cables and seemed to get it in the right gear, but now I can't get it out of park, and it still won't turn over at all. I made sure to charge up the battery. Also, I noticed the connector was not plugged in to the brake/transmission shift interlock solenoid, so I plugged it in. Still no getting out of park. Also, the pass lock must be activated because I noticed the security light flashing. I'm going to try to adjust the cables again, but is there any other suggestions?
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Friday, November 19th, 2021 AT 7:50 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I have a couple of things for you to check. First, make sure the brake lights are working. The park interlock is powered via the brake light switch. If there is no power to the switch, it won't release.

Next, if the security light is flashing, try this. Turn the key to the run position and allow it to stay there for approximately ten minutes. See if the light turns off. If it does, see if it will start.

Let me know what you find or if this helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, November 19th, 2021 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
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I checked the taillights/brake lights, and they are working. I think the brake/park interlock is okay, but I think the problem now is when I first removed the ignition switch, I did not turn the key before removing the park lock cable! So now it keeps putting gear in reverse instead of park! I will try to adjust the parking lock cable after work- do I need to completely remove the shift mechanism again or can it be done another way? I am frustrated but encouraged because it feels like I am so close to getting it right.
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Monday, November 22nd, 2021 AT 10:49 AM
Tiny
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Also, can I turn off the lockout feature from the radio before I disconnect the battery to avoid the pass lock issue? I have it relearned now but it's a real pain to go over it again! Thanks!
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Monday, November 22nd, 2021 AT 11:09 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

On this model year, you shouldn't have an issue with the pass-lock/radio. If the radio is the original one that came with the vehicle, it should automatically recognize the vehicle's VIN number (via CAN communication). If it is a match (the original radio), it shouldn't lock.

Take a look at pic 1 below. That is a much better definition of how it works. If something different is happening, let me know what it was and if you were able to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes related to it.

Take care and let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

See pic below.
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Monday, November 22nd, 2021 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
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Actually, I was asking if there was a way to turn off the pass lock before I disconnect the battery, using the radio. The question I posted before the one about the radio was really the more important question, the gears won't shift into park now. Should I adjust the park/lock cable or the shifter cable or both? Also, the key won't come out now due to when I first removed the park/lock cable from the ignition switch I did not turn the key to the run position. Thanks
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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 AT 8:18 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If the key was in the wrong position when you installed or removed the cable, I suspect that is where the problem is. What I would try first is to remove that and reinstall it following the manufacturer's recommendations.

I wouldn't think the shift cable would have changed unless you had it off as well.

With that, the first thing I would focus on is the park lock cable.

Let me know if that helps or if I can help in anyway.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
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I finally got it to start in neutral, and the car runs fine, but now I can't get it to go into park. I'm guessing I need to adjust the cable that goes to the shift mechanism. Or would it be an issue with the park/lock cable? Is there a way to adjust the park/lock cable? Because now it goes into park but doesn't indicate it on the gears. Other than this issue it has been running good, I have been using the parking brake when parking it since it won't go into park gear now.
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Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 AT 8:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

When you place it in park, does it hold the vehicle like a brake or does the vehicle seem to be in neutral?

Also, do you mean the shifter won't reach park or it does, but the indicator doesn't light?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
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It is like it's in neutral with no braking applied. And yes, it does reach park but is not indicated and parking brake is not engaged.
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Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 AT 8:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If it reaches part and holds, the linkage sounds like it is adjusted properly. That leaves the transmission range sensor.

The sensor is located on the driver's side of the vehicle above the CV axle. See pic 1. Inspect the wiring and make sure it is tight, clean, and not damaged.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See picture.
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Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 AT 6:59 PM

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