Shifter problem-Need ideas -UPDATE

Lifetime Member

North Charleston, SC - USA

Joined: 3/20/2004

Posts: 4208

Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top

Hey Guys,

I took the 75, all stock automatic, out for a drive today. I went for about 25 miles and came home. The only thing I noticed while driving was that when I came to a stop and idled, the car seemed to shaking a bit, like a loping cam. The car shifts fine through the gears.

When I got in the driveway and shifted into Park, the shifter felt like it took much less effort, than normal, to move through the different gears. Once in park, the key would not move past the first detent. By this, I mean turning off from the running position. It will not go into the lock or accessory positions. I can pull the key out, even though the ignition is not in the locked position. I tried several different keys, with the same result.

I then cranked the car again and put the car in drive, then reverse, then back to park. The transmission is in the gear the shifter is aligned with in the shift indicator. Also when placing the transmission in gear, the shifter doesn't feel like it has a much resistance as before.

The ignition/key situation seems to be related to the shifter problem. I need some ideas on where to start looking. Could it be a broken transmission mount or motor mount? If so, is this causing some kind of problem with the shifter. To the best of my knowledge, the transmission has never been out of this car. Help!

Thanks,

Scott

ranger32010-02-06 10:27:32

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Shifter problem-Need ideas -UPDATE

Posted: 1/31/10 3:35pmMessage 2 of 17

bio11

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Oklahoma City, OK - USA

Joined: 4/1/2007

Posts: 432

Vette(s): 1972 LS5 Convertible,Auto.Targa Blue with Black Interior.

It sounds like it may be the cable that runs from the side of the transmission up to the steering column. Since you said it shifts easier I'm wondering if the cable has broke or came off at the column or down on the side of the transmission. It's held on by a cotter key on each end.
Lonnie

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Shifter problem-Need ideas -UPDATE

Posted: 1/31/10 3:48pmMessage 3 of 17

Lifetime Member

North Charleston, SC - USA

Joined: 3/20/2004

Posts: 4208

Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top

Thanks Lonnie, that's a great idea. I need to get the car in the air to take a look. I've had no previous problems with the car and this just started today. Thanks for the clue.

Scott

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Shifter problem-Need ideas -UPDATE

Posted: 1/31/10 8:33pmMessage 4 of 17

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

I agree with Lonnie's assessment. This would explain the easier shifter movement, as well as being able to remove the key, without it being in the "Lock" position.
Don't know about the vibrating/loping issue, tho...that could simply be from sitting in storage too long?

Joel Adams
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Shifter problem-Need ideas -UPDATE

Posted: 1/31/10 8:36pmMessage 5 of 17

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North Charleston, SC - USA

Joined: 3/20/2004

Posts: 4208

Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top

Thanks Joel. If it is the cable, is that difficult to replace? Also, what's the correct name of the part?

Scott ranger32010-01-31 20:42:55

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Shifter problem-Need ideas -UPDATE

Posted: 2/1/10 6:21amMessage 6 of 17

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

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Shift column interlock cable...I think that's what it's called...
It's not too hard to change, It simply connects to the shift linkage on the trans at the bottom, and the column at the top. Check to see if it just came loose, as the clips/pins can fall out mysteriously.

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Shifter problem-Need ideas -UPDATE

Posted: 2/1/10 8:40amMessage 7 of 17

Lifetime Member

North Charleston, SC - USA

Joined: 3/20/2004

Posts: 4208

Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top

Thanks Joel and Lonnie. I will take a look at it soon. I really appreciate the information.

Scott

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Shifter problem-Need ideas -UPDATE

Posted: 2/1/10 9:04amMessage 8 of 17

lukesvette

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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Joined: 5/18/2004

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Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

Should I have one of those on a 79? I don't think I do!!

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Shifter problem-Need ideas -UPDATE

Posted: 2/1/10 11:12amMessage 9 of 17

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

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Yes....as far as I know, all Sharks had them...with the exception of the '68s with the key in the dash.

There is another thread here with a similar issue, with some pics of the cable under the hood. It was fairly recent.
Adams' Apple2010-02-01 11:28:43

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Shifter problem-Need ideas -UPDATE

Posted: 2/6/10 10:33amMessage 10 of 17

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