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Suddenly lost ability to shift, 97 OBW Auto


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Got in the car earlier and tried to shift from park to reverse and nothing happened when I stepped on the gas. Couldn't shift into drive or any lower gear, either. I got out got began to feel around the neutral switch and was able to put the Range Select Lever into reverse which worked. I palpated the boot leading from the switch which houses the cable and I definitely feel that the cable is disconnected in the middle of the boot. Does anyone know if the cable is meant to disconnect or if this sounds like a snap?

 

I'm in an extremely rural area so getting parts takes a few days. Would anyone be able to recommend a part number? There's an Advance Auto Parts about 20 miles from me.

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Edited by bstone
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Really haven't ever heard of one of these breaking. Certainly not a common replacement item.

I don't know any details, but pay very close attention to where the old cable is routed (above/below certain objects/wires). Don't twist or bend the cable tightly to avoid crimping sheathing or bending the cable inside.

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I have had a bracket break on me, but not a cable. When I did remove the cable, it was pretty worn. This does happen from time to time, but it is rare.

 

It is possible that it's the bracket that has broken and the cable itself is fine? I'll soon find out, but to be fair this is a 97 OBW with over 250k miles on it so it might just be possible.

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