1991 auto shifter problems

[drkjr]

Hi folks.... yesterday, after putting the car in park, it started rolling backwards a little, and making a clicking noise. I obviously stepped on the brake, and then jiggled the shifter a little, and it then locked into place.

Now, there seems to be play when shifting between neutral and Drive, and also between neutral and Reverse. It doesn't seem to be locking into gear all the way.

Is there an adjustment under the console for the shifter, and if so, how easy is it to get to and adjust ?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

ps...car is for sale, see other post

 

[cntrhub]

You might first put the car on a lift, or jack it up (safety jacks in place, E-brake on) with the jack it came with. Then giggle the Trans cable housing assembly, which are held by two bolts that screw into the transmission pan cover. Did you have the transmission fluid changed recently? Those two bolts my have backed out and this is where your slop is for park engagement. That housing should be bolted solid and not move at all.
If the assembly housing is loose, push the Trans lever (coming out of the transmission) into park (if it not is already). Now loosen the bolts even more that hold the cable housing. Let it sit static in place and then tighten the bolts. In theory, this will be the ideal setting of the housing. Move the shift lever inside the car and see if you get proper engagement every time? I would not dive into the console until this easy fix is addressed first.