Automatic Transmission Selector Cable

An automatic transmission selector cable helps you change the gear accurately without encountering any difficulties. It's probably one of the most used components on your car, which is exactly why it's prone to getting damaged. Some of the common problems that are usually encountered with this cable include breaking, bending, and stretching. Once one of these problems arises, you should expect the transmission system of your car to perform defectively. Fortunately, you can replace a damaged automatic transmission selector cable without the help of a mechanic. Here are the tools that you need and the procedures that you have to follow:

Difficulty level: Moderate

Things that you will need:

• Wrench
• Screwdrivers
• Ratchet and socket set
• Car ramps
• Replacement automatic transmission selector cable
• Owner's manual

Step 1: Find a place with a level ground to work on. Since you'll be putting your vehicle up in a ramp later for this procedure, it's important that the area where you're going to work on is free from slopes to ensure your safety.

Step 2: Position your vehicle over the car ramps to create enough space where you can comfortably crawl under. Make sure that you engage the parking brake to keep the car from shifting.

Step 3: Lift the hood of your vehicle and disconnect the negative and positive cables from its battery. This should keep you from suffering electric shocks and prevent electrical complications on your car.

Step 4: Remove the shifter from your vehicle. Using a wrench, unfasten the screws that are located on its side. You also have to remove the locking clips that are holding the shifter handler in place using a screwdriver. After you've removed the screws and clips, pull the shifter handle out from the car. Keep in mind that this procedure may differ for every shifter type, so make sure that you consult your owner's manual as well.

Step 5: Unfasten the screws below your car's console. You should also unplug the electrical wirings that are connected to it before removing it from your vehicle. Remember to work carefully to prevent damaging the wires.

Step 6: Once you've gotten the console out of the way, you should now remove the clips that are attaching the automatic transmission selector cable onto the brace and shifter. Again, you need to work carefully to avoid damaging any other components.

Step 7: Carefully crawl under your vehicle and locate the nut that's securing the automatic transmission selector cable. Using a wrench, turn the nut in a counterclockwise direction.

Step 8: Pull the damaged automatic transmission selector cable out from your vehicle.

Step 9: Install the replacement automatic transmission selector cable over the place where you pulled the old one out. Make sure that you torque its nut properly.

Step 10: Reattach the car's console. Ensure that you properly reconnect all its wires before screwing it into place.

Step 11: Reconnect the battery cables and get your vehicle off the car ramp. Drive your car for a few minutes to check if the new automatic transmission selector cable is now working properly.

Replacing a faulty automatic transmission selector cable may take around one hour to finish if the steps are properly carried out.