Can shift into gear, but not back.

1996 MAZDA B4000
150,000 MILES
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MABUD
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I can shift from park to any gear, but not back up,i.e., into drive but not back up to any gear. I can get under truck and put back up into any gear. After moving gear shift down shifter moves freely up from position. Bushings on column seem intact. Heat shield on cable is burned through exposing cable which is of course rusted.
Sep 22, 2011 at 3:53 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It has to be something with the linkage if you can shift if from under vehicle. Is the cable catching the heat shield?
Sep 22, 2011 at 3:57 PM
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MABUD
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As best I can see, no. It is a bit frayed. When in gear I can't move from under truck, but of course when I put shifter into park I can move easily back to park.
Sep 22, 2011 at 4:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Have a helper shift while you watch from under the vehicle. Look for loose connections in the linkage.
Sep 25, 2011 at 5:59 AM
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