Gear shifter not working properly and will not start

THEFREAKINX

MEMBER
2009 CHRYSLER SEBRING
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

Got home, put the gear shifter in park and took my foot off the brake. Seemed like the car was moving. It was slowly rolling backwards. Look at the dash and the car is in reverse even though the shifter is in park. Shifter won't move. Brake won't depress. Turned the car off and tried to restart. Wont start.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like the shift linkage is off. See if it will start if the indicator says neutral.

Let's start by checking linkage adjustment. Here are the directions for adjustment. The pics below correlate with the directions.

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2009 Chrysler Sebring Sedan V6-2.7L
Gearshift Linkage Adjustment
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Shift Linkage Shift Cable Adjustments 41TE Automatic Transaxle Gearshift Linkage Adjustment
GEARSHIFT LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT
GEARSHIFT LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT

Normal operation of the Park/Neutral Position Switch provides a quick check to confirm proper linkage adjustment.

Move the selector level slowly forward until it clicks into the (P) Park position. The starter should operate.

After checking the (P) position, move selector slowly toward the (N) Neutral position until lever is in the (N) position. If the starter will also operate at this point the gearshift linkage is properly adjusted. If the starter fails to operate in either position, linkage adjustment is required.

ADJUSTMENT

1. Set parking brake.

Pic 1

pic 2

2. Remove the gearshift knob set screw (2) and knob (1).

Pic 3

pic 4

3. Remove gearshift selector bezel (2) and lamp wiring.

Pic 5

pic 6

4. Install the gearshift knob set screw (2) and knob (1).

Pic 7

pic 8

5. Place gearshift lever in the (P) Park position.
6. Loosen the gearshift cable adjuster nut at the shifter assembly.

7. Move the gearshift lever on the transaxle to the Park position.
8. Verify the shift lever and transaxle are in Park position. Tighten the gearshift cable adjuster nut at the shifter assembly. The gearshift linkage should now be properly adjusted.
9. Check adjustment as follows:
- Détente position for Neutral and Drive should be within limits of hand lever gate stops.
- Key start must occur only when shift lever is in Park or Neutral positions.

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Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe

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