Thread: 97 GP GT, shifter not moving transmission lever.

Just bought a 97 GP GT and when moving the shifter there is no resistance nor feel any detents from any gears. The shift lever on the transmission does not move, so I am assuming either a cable or shifter. I was debating on splitting the cable at the engine compartment or pulling the console. I was googling this morning seeing what failed more often and the only thing I saw was someone who read if you split the cable it throws the adjustments off. Then I read something about splitting the cable for adjustments, so I assume that is what that joint is for. It looked like it had plastic C clips. Now I guessing it might be better just to pull the console and see whats is and is not moving.
Any thoughts?

Lift console and diagnose before getting a cable. Then get a cable. Save the old cable..it's awesome for routing wires etc.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Lift console and diagnose before getting a cable. Then get a cable. Save the old cable..it's awesome for routing wires etc.

I would definitely diagnose first :-), I was just curious which one fails the most and as in any troubleshooting the motto divide and conquer, so I was just curious what's the best way. Sounds like peak under the console. :-)

It's not really very common. Usually it's a "I was dicking with this recently and now it won't work right...."

Since you weren't messing with it.. it's popped off either at the trans or shifter..and if not..it's cable.

I know what the problem is now, where the cable anchors inside the console right before the shifter is not anchored.
20130617_193624_zpsb73031fd.jpg Photo by penright | Photobucket
My questions are:
Is the cable held by a clip?
Is the cable end broke and need to replace the cable? I could see how maybe there were dog ears. If so any hints on how to get it out fast at the local "U Pull A Part"? Looks like pulling it through the dash might be fun. I hope it is just missing a clip.
I used a tie strap and got it functioning until I can fix it. 20130617_193723_zps2fc67e83.jpg Photo by penright | Photobucket

There should be ears that are held open by a metal u shaped clip. Pull the clip, compress the ears and the cable and slide back.

JY directions.
Razor knife the carpet from the firewall on the passenger side of the air duct in the middle of the car to find the cable. Pop off shifter knob and yank up center console lid. Pop shifter connection free then pull the u shape clip and pocket it, now compress the ears and pull the cable back. Work it out from under the console (you may need to loosen console 10mm bolts.) Go outside of the car and pop the cable from the trans linkage, undo the two 13mm nuts holding the cable bracket to the trans and unhook anything holding the cable in the engine bay. Keep the grommet on the cable at the firewall and gently pry it toward you. Poof..you have a cable.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

There should be ears that are held open by a metal u shaped clip. Pull the clip, compress the ears and the cable and slide back.

JY directions.
Razor knife the carpet from the firewall on the passenger side of the air duct in the middle of the car to find the cable. Pop off shifter knob and yank up center console lid. Pop shifter connection free then pull the u shape clip and pocket it, now compress the ears and pull the cable back. Work it out from under the console (you may need to loosen console 10mm bolts.) Go outside of the car and pop the cable from the trans linkage, undo the two 13mm nuts holding the cable bracket to the trans and unhook anything holding the cable in the engine bay. Keep the grommet on the cable at the firewall and gently pry it toward you. Poof..you have a cable.

Thanks.

Did you see the pictures? Of course I will know when I get to the junkyard, but is all I am missing is just the clip, or is something broke?

tough to tell on your pics. Get a pic close up and personal with that end of the cable and I can tell you for sure.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

tough to tell on your pics. Get a pic close up and personal with that end of the cable and I can tell you for sure.

Look at this one, When I crop it, it zoom a little, plus you can click on the magnify glass, I can see where I think the ears broke off.
e6bb9e37-1cf1-40ee-8d5b-2629ee95db6b_zps68da027f.jpg Photo by penright | Photobucket
I guess my next question will be what years are compatible with 97? The local Pull-A-Part is cheap, but as the name implies you are on your own.

I'm on my own in my yards too.. I like it that way. Yes those ears are broken off. 97-03 should work for you.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

I'm on my own in my yards too.. I like it that way. Yes those ears are broken off. 97-03 should work for you.

With my tie strap work around at least it functioning. :-)

Thanks again, enough of this, now to get it running. :-)

zip tie, hose clamp, JB weld would also hold it.

then replace it later on. getting it running is more important if you ask me.

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

zip tie, hose clamp, JB weld would also hold it.

then replace it later on. getting it running is more important if you ask me.

At least at my advanced age, I will fix it right once the car goes back together for the last time. In my youth (16), that was a different question. I had a 70 1/2 Z28, and shifter linkages would come loose, I might be on a date, find a curb (used for a ramp), tighten it up, then keep going. :-)

been there a 100 times in my youth lol used a curb not to long ago to get a good look under the car a while back. tall curbs are getting harder and harder to find tho.

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

been there a 100 times in my youth lol used a curb not to long ago to get a good look under the car a while back. tall curbs are getting harder and harder to find tho.

These days, the right pot hole might work.

Scotty's not your average troll. He needs a serious pot hole.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Scotty's not your average troll. He needs a serious pot hole.

more like a pit. lol

growing up one friends real old garage, dual barn doors, had a pit, and a I beam with a engine hoist that rolled on it. needless to say, we did a lot of work in that garage.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

JY directions.
Razor knife the carpet from the firewall on the passenger side of the air duct in the middle of the car to find the cable. Pop off shifter knob and yank up center console lid. Pop shifter connection free then pull the u shape clip and pocket it, now compress the ears and pull the cable back. Work it out from under the console (you may need to loosen console 10mm bolts.) Go outside of the car and pop the cable from the trans linkage, undo the two 13mm nuts holding the cable bracket to the trans and unhook anything holding the cable in the engine bay. Keep the grommet on the cable at the firewall and gently pry it toward you. Poof..you have a cable.

Went to JY today to get a regulator for the 02 that will be going to auction. Someone busted the window already so it was a snap to pull, then I saw a coupe, someone had pulled the door panel (it was as bad as mine) and the window motor was gone. Someone was dropping the transmission while I was there, so I unhooked the shift cable form inside, did not have a knife. I wasn't planning on messing with the 97 parts, but hey when opportunity knocks. The carpet was rotten and I was able to rip it where you said cut, pulled it through and since it was disconnected from the trans already because they were getting ready to drop the drive train, simple. :-)

Now for the Non Junkyard install. Can I tie a wire to the end of and pull it without cutting the carpet? Or do I have to lift the console to get some room? Then use the wire to fish the new one back through?

For future reference here is a picture of a good end with tabs. 20130624_131434_zps435d253f.jpg Photo by penright | Photobucket
Here is a picture of the metal clip, it comes from the top. I will update better picture once installed.
20130624_131506_zpsb6303c13.jpg Photo by penright | Photobucket


BTW, as I was pulling off the shift cable, I saw the missing window motor under some stuff in the back floorboard, or at least I hope it is, I did not have the bad one with me, also I hope it works and thats why they left it there. :-)