Transmission shifter cable

[coreydmc]

I just replaced the braded cable that connects the gear shifter to the transmission to switch gears. My last cable was rusted and would not move. I installed the new one and the shifter is hard to move left and right. I loosened the main pivot nut in the gear shifter housing and it is still hard to move left or right. I figure that the shifter should always reset back between 3 and 4th gear. Do you think the problem is at the transmission? It seems like there should be a spring somewhere to reset the cable in the resting spot

[Bitsyncmaster]

The shifter defaults to gears 3 and 4. You need to push or pull it left and right for the other gears. Does your engine run? If so, try it with the engine running. There are no springs on the gear linkage from what I remember.

[DMCMW Dave]

The shifter defaults to gears 3 and 4. You need to push or pull it left and right for the other gears. Does your engine run? If so, try it with the engine running. There are no springs on the gear linkage from what I remember.

The centering/return spring is inside the transmission rear cover. The linkage should operate smoothly. Disconnect the cable from the transmission and see if the lever/cable now moves freely. If so, you probably have binding in the pivot arm or (worse) inside the transmission. Looking at this picture, the pivoting arm is #29 with bolt #31 going through it. I've seen them get corroded inside which would do what you are seeing.

http://store.delorean.com/c-289-4-2-0-manual-shift-linkage.aspx

If you can make that pivot move freely (you will have to disconnect the cable and that linkage from the trans to tell) then you have internal issues. IF the pivot is sticky, take it apart and clean/lube it.

[coreydmc]

Dave... so pretty much what you are saying is take apart # 29 and clean it? I know my problem is not the pivot arm in assembly # 3 because I disconnected the cable from that and it moves freely.

[coreydmc]

also.. can someone post a picture of the trans cable underneath their car so I can see if mine is run correctly?

[Delorean Industries]

Definitely check the other listed concerns. Also though check under the noise isolating cover on the actual shifter. If there is too much or too little grease it will bind as well. Check the condition of the reverse lock out pin as well. If bent and banged up enough that will cause free play issues as well. Forcing and banging with a stiff cable can cause other damage as well.

[David T]

You basically start disconnecting things till you notice the gearshift knob move easily. The last part you disconnected will be the problem. I have also seen that pivot bolt get corroded and be so stiff as to prevent ANY movement. In that case it took banging it all apart, cleaning and lubricating it all up and reassembling and adjusting. As long as you are under the car inspect the transmission and motor mounts. If the left, front trans mount is cracked it will be difficult to correctly adjust the shift linkage and it will not shift easily.
David Teitelbaum