Automatic shifter went loose?

IRISHROSES4677

MEMBER
2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

A couple weeks ago, my shifter began to shift hard. I checked fluid levels etc, everything was fine. One night after shopping the shifter went completely loose. The car was started, but I wasn't going anywhere! A gentleman came out and looked under the consul and saw that something had come loose, and it was an easy fix, but it would still be a hard shift. Well, a couple nights ago it did it again! Thank goodness I was at my home and not stranded. A mobile mechanic came out and said I needed a brand new floor shifter, and someone else said it could be as simple as a bushing. AHHHHHHH When it did go loose, I heard a pop or a crack like something was stuck, and I learned words in every language known to man.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Chances are the shifter itself isn't the problem, but it could be.

There is a shift cable that runs from the shifter inside the vehicle to the transmission under the hood. If it is loose and there is no resistance when shifting, the first thing I would suggest is to remove the center console and shift bezel. That way you can check if there are any broken parts, including where the cable attaches.

I attached the directions below for removing the console/bezel. Take a look through them and let me know if you are comfortable performing them.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

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Monday, January 1st, 2024 AT 8:01 PM

IRISHROSES4677

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4 POSTS

Yes, I can do that! Is there something in there, like the bushing that could cause that loud crack noise when I shifted it?

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Monday, January 1st, 2024 AT 8:10 PM

IRISHROSES4677

MEMBER
4 POSTS

And when I push down on the silver button (sorry don't know the terms) I can hear a faint click. I had a feeling it may have been something other than the whole shifter.

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Monday, January 1st, 2024 AT 8:13 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

It could have been a few things. The cable may have snapped. The only way to confirm is to take it apart.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 AT 6:26 PM

IRISHROSES4677

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hello! It was indeed the floor shifter, and it needs a new cable. I had enough and my mechanic has it. I just have to wait on a floor shifter (special order) and the cable. Sounds like it won't take too long to fix, they already have it pretty much apart just looking for the problem, haha.