Whether you drive a vehicle with a manual or automatic transmission, your vehicle has at least one transmission shifter cable helping you switch gears with ease. A broken or stretchy cable can make it hard for you to select the correct gear, so it’s important to be on the lookout for any signs of breakage.
A transmission shift cable consists of a stiff, woven metal wire rope inside a durable woven steel sleeve encased in tough plastic. At the top, usually inside the vehicle, the cable is attached to the shift lever by way of a rotating tube that moves with the lever in some bracketed bushings so that the lever at the bottom of the tube will follow the movement of the manually operated shift lever.
The cable’s sheath is sealed at both ends to prevent moisture and contamination ingress that would foul the cable. The sheath is anchored both by the shift lever and on the transmission so that it can’t move, but the cable that travels through it can smoothly transfer the movement of the shifter to the input shaft on the transmission input shaft for crisp gear selection. Each gear position has a detent so that the shift linkage “clicks” into the position selected and doesn’t move on its own.
The transmission shift cable is sometimes referred to as the shift linkage or the transmission linkage.
Here are some bad shift cable symptoms you can look for:
If the gear indicator doesn’t match the actual gear setting the transmission is in, then this can be a sign of an automatic transmission shift cable problem. Take note, however, that this can also be an issue with the indicator itself, which is more often the case.
For example, even if you’re already in park, the indicator might still point to reverse. The gear indicator might also point in between gears, which can make it hard for you to gauge whether your transmission is actually in the correct gear.
Broken or rusted shift cables (inside the sheath) can make it hard to shift gears on both automatic and manual vehicles that use shift cables. If the cable sheath’s seals have failed and rust or dirt has joined the cable in the sheath tube, the cable will become very stiff so that the shifter is hard to move. A broken shift cable won’t provide any resistance, so the transmission can’t be placed in gear.
If the cable sheath’s seals have failed and rust or dirt has joined the cable in the sheath tube, the cable will become very stiff so that the shifter is hard to move.
– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
All modern vehicles with automatic transmissions have a neutral safety switch, which prevents engines from starting if the transmission isn’t in park or neutral. If the shift cable has failed so that the transmission gets stuck in reverse or drive, you may not be able to start the engine because the starter will be locked out.
In manual transmission equipped vehicles, a faulty shifter cable can cause the transmission to make unusual noises. A squeaking noise when shifting out of gear most likely means the cable is not properly attached to the lever. Any bumping, grinding, or whirring sounds can also indicate a worn cable that needs replacing.
You can always tell if the shifter doesn’t feel right. Suspect the cables when the shifter starts to feel different.
In a manual transmission, leaking transmission fluid can also point to an issue with the shift linkage’s bushing. This is usually accompanied by strange thumping or squealing sounds.
Keep in mind that a transmission fluid leak can also indicate other problems in the transmission system, such as a damaged cooler line, gasket, or seal. Be sure to check your transmission thoroughly before replacing any parts.
The common fix for a damaged shift linkage is simply replacing the entire cable with a new one. This is typically accompanied by a transmission system service with the help of a trusted mechanic.
However, nowadays you can find repair kits that consist of bushings, a basic tool set, and other hardware necessary for fixing a shifter cable by yourself. The exact price of a repair kit can vary according to your vehicle’s year, make, and model, but it’s usually cheaper than hiring a mechanic to replace your shifter cable.
In an automatic transmission, the engine is likely to overheat when the transmission shifter cable malfunctions. This can cause your engine to emit a foul burning smell. Your transmission will stop responding, and your car will eventually shake to a halt and trigger the check engine light.
Before it gets to this point, it’s best to repair your shift linkage as soon as you notice any of the symptoms previously mentioned.
A lack of regular maintenance is the most common cause of shift linkage failure. The lever arms and bushings can turn brittle over time. In some cases, moisture can enter the cable casing and cause the steel cables to corrode.
In automatic transmissions, a shift cable connects the shift lever to the transmission. If you change gears from park to reverse, the gear selector pulls the shift cable until the lever locks into reverse gear.
Manual transmission shift cables function similarly, but are usually two instead of just one. Most manual vehicles have one shifter cable for vertical movement and another for horizontal movement. The manual transmission needs both cables to function properly. If only one of the cables is broken, you’ll find it hard to switch gears.
It is best not to drive your vehicle if it has a faulty shifter cable. The most significant issue is that you may believe you have placed the vehicle in park when it may actually not be in park, which can allow the vehicle to roll away.
Even if you are able to start your engine, you might find yourself stranded later if your transmission gets stuck in gear. For example, if you accidentally left your car in reverse, your ignition key won’t turn, and your engine won’t start. This can be dangerous, especially if you’re stranded in an unfamiliar area late at night. Keep you and your passengers safe by immediately bringing your car to the mechanic once you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and how often you use it, shift cables should last for a long time. In automatic vehicles, you can expect quality shift cables to last from 125,000 to 175,000 miles. Manual vehicles require you to move the shifter more frequently, so the cables can wear off faster than automatic vehicles. Having said that, take note that most shift cables never give any trouble at all for the life of the vehicle.
Keep in mind that some might only last around 75,000 miles if the cables are of poor quality, extremely bent, or exposed to water intrusion. To ensure your shift cables are fully functional, be sure to keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
Several factors will affect the price, such as your vehicle’s make, model, and the product’s brand. However, if your shift cable is broken, expect to spend anywhere from $20 to $620 on a replacement.
It isn’t safe to drive your vehicle if the transmission shifter cable is faulty. Good thing CarParts.com carries an excellent selection of transmission shifter cables to help you complete repairs in no time.
You can shop for replacement cables for your ride without leaving your home. Just visit our website, and look for the vehicle selector tool. Input the specifications of your make and model to narrow down your options to the transmission shifter cables that fit your ride.
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