Shift lever on the steering column?

OFFTHEWALLTA

MEMBER
2005 PONTIAC MONTANA
3.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

When it was in reverse it stopped going into any other gear. After that it shifted into neutral and then into Park and now it doesn't go into any gear. It just moves up and down freely.

Friday, July 25th, 2025 AT 5:49 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like the linkage has come apart. There is a cable that runs from within the vehicle to the transmission.

What I need you to do is have a helper shift the lever through all gears while you watch at the transmission to see if the shift lever is moving, if the cable has come disconnected, or if the bracket has come loose.

You will see the shift lever and cable on the top of the transmission on the passenger's side. I attached a picture below showing what to look for. Note: If nothing moves and nothing is disconnected, the cable likely will need to be replaced. If that is the case, we can certainly help you through the procedure.

Try this and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)