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Pinpoint Test C: The Shift Control Linkage Is Binding

  1. C1 CHECK THE SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE FOR DAMAGE 
    • Key in ACCESSORY position.
    • Apply the brake pedal.
    • Move the gearshift lever through the gear ranges.
    • Does the gearshift lever go through all the gear ranges freely? 

    Yes  : Concern is intermittent.

    No  : GO to  C2.

  2. C2 CHECK THE SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE WITH THE SHIFT CABLE DISCONNECTED FROM THE TRANSAXLE 
    • Key in OFF position.
    • Position the air cleaner housing outlet aside.
    • Disconnect the shift cable from the manual control lever at the transaxle.
    • Key in ACCESSORY position.
    • Apply the brake pedal.
    • Move the gearshift lever through the gear ranges.
    • Does the gearshift lever go through all the gear ranges freely? 

    Yes  : GO to  C3.

    No  : GO to  C4.

  3. C3 CHECK THE MANUAL CONTROL LEVER AT THE TRANSMISSION 
    • Leave the shift cable disconnected from the manual control lever at the transmission.
    • Move the manual control lever at the transmission through all the gear ranges.
    • Does the manual control lever at the transmission go through all the gear ranges freely? 

    Yes  : GO to  C4.

    No  : REFER to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION . Problem may be internal to the transmission.

  4. C4 CHECK THE SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE OPERATION WITH THE SHIFT CABLE DISCONNECTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN 
    • Key in OFF position.
    • Disconnect the shift cable from the steering column assembly.
    • Key in ACCESSORY position.
    • Apply the brake pedal.
    • Move the gearshift lever through the gear ranges.
    • Does the gearshift lever go through all the gear ranges freely? 

    Yes  : INSTALL a new shift cable and bracket. REFER to SELECTOR LEVER CABLE AND BRACKET  in this article.

    No  : REFER to STEERING SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for steering column repair.