Cable became disconnected from transmission

BUD BOWLER

MEMBER
2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS
6.0L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

Two mechanics said I need to replace the cable. I am using a zip tie to hold the two pieces together so I can get to work. Looks to me like a simple bushing replacement would do it. Why would I need to replace the cable when it shifts just fine with the zip tie on it? I have to replace the zip after 3/4 shifts. Are these two mechanics correct in telling me I need to replace the cable?

Tuesday, December 21st, 2021 AT 7:21 PM

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

I need to confirm exactly what is being tied together. There are two different designs based on the transmission type. I attached 3 pics below. Take a look at them and let me know if you see the faulty part. Also, please confirm if this is an Express 2500.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021 AT 5:25 PM

BUD BOWLER

MEMBER
8 POSTS

The third picture. Where the cable attaches to the lever on the transmission. There is a short pin that goes through the hole in the end of the cable that looks like where a bushing should be. This is a twelve-passenger van express 3500.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021 AT 10:03 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

That pushed onto a ball stud at the shift lever. There is a pin that holds the cable onto the mount, but at the lever, the cable is pushed on to the stud and then there is a plastic locking pin. Take a look at pic 1 below.

Check it and see if you can locate it. Also, if you can take a couple of pictures of it and upload it for me to see, it may help.

Let me know.

If I don't hear from you for a couple of days due to the holiday, I hope you have a great Christmas.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, December 23rd, 2021 AT 9:26 PM

BUD BOWLER

MEMBER
8 POSTS

I got a bushing kit from NAPA. The CHEVY bushing was too large to fit the cable end, but the Ford bushing fit perfectly. Snapped it back together and it's been shifting like it always had been. I don't think I need to replace the cable unless there is something else that could be wrong that I can't see. I am going to talk to the mechanic that said the cable needed to be replaced and see if he can show me why I need more than just the new bushing. Thank you for all your advice and help. If you know of a reason why I might still need to replace the cable, I'd like to know. I did have a good holiday and hope that you did too. May next year be a better year for all of us. P.S. The bushing kit was $17.00 compared to $300.00 estimate to replace the cable.

Images (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, December 26th, 2021 AT 11:36 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

If it is working properly, there is no reason to replace the cable. It sounds like you confirmed the issue and fixed it. Good job!

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions or need help. You are always welcome here.

Take care and I hope you have a great New Year!

Joe

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, December 27th, 2021 AT 3:11 PM

BUD BOWLER

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Hey Joe,

Always wanted to say that.
Thanks again for all the help and advice you give to everyone.
Great New Year.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, December 27th, 2021 AT 6:44 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

LOL, You are very welcome. I'm glad you got it fixed. I don't want you to have trouble again, but I hope you return if you need help.

Take good care of yourself.

Joe

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, December 27th, 2021 AT 7:36 PM