04 Auto Shift Cable
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
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04 Auto Shift Cable
So I've seen a few write ups but nothing with pictures. Did a quick search and didn't come up with anything, maybe they're too old and the pics aren't hosted anymore?
Does anyone have a visual guide for this? Most of the posts say it's quite simple, but on my 04 the cable goes up into the tunnel and around some other components. Not seeing how I'm going to be able to unclip and route successfully.
Any guidance would be appreciated. Kind of wishing I had just replaced the bushing!
Does anyone have a visual guide for this? Most of the posts say it's quite simple, but on my 04 the cable goes up into the tunnel and around some other components. Not seeing how I'm going to be able to unclip and route successfully.
Any guidance would be appreciated. Kind of wishing I had just replaced the bushing!
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
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From the shop manual write up it looks like significant disassembly is suggested to be able to replace the entire cable. There may be some short cuts to be had but manual says drop the exhaust, remove the tunnel plate.......... and more to gain access.
If replacing the bushing only is an option in your case I think that is the route I would go........ JMHO
If replacing the bushing only is an option in your case I think that is the route I would go........ JMHO
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
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Many thanks. That helps a bit. Knowing they don't drop anything other than what I've already removed is promising. It doesn't say in the fine print anywhere that you need hands that fit into a size XS glove does it??? 
If anyone has taken pics while crawled underneath the car I'd gladly accept them. I may do so as I proceed for future victims, I mean DIYers.
If anyone has taken pics while crawled underneath the car I'd gladly accept them. I may do so as I proceed for future victims, I mean DIYers.
Last edited by CorvetteBoy2004; Aug 25, 2016 at 01:41 PM.
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From: Springfield Ohio
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Round Rock Texas
Mine just broke last week at a gas station. Had to be towed.
I had a shop I trust replace entire cable and change the transmission fluid.
Total cost $500.
And yes it only broke at the transmission but had them replace entire cable as my luck the cable or connection at shifter would break a week later. I get a year warranty this way and no laying on my back trying to change it in the rain.
I had a shop I trust replace entire cable and change the transmission fluid.
Total cost $500.
And yes it only broke at the transmission but had them replace entire cable as my luck the cable or connection at shifter would break a week later. I get a year warranty this way and no laying on my back trying to change it in the rain.
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Good information posted here. Thanks for sharing it.
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6th Gear
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Small update. Apparently in late 2003 and 2004 the design for this cable changed. The procedure shown instructs you to remove a "staple" before releasing the cable from the tunnel bracket. On L2003-2004 cars there is no staple and the bracket is slotted, not a hole.
Instead there is a pressure type mechanism where you must squeeze the cable from the top side and push upwards (towards the console) to release it from the bracket. I won't say how long it took me to figure that out :-/ It may be able to be done from the bottom of the car but since my console was already apart from trying to diagnose what happened in the first place, I just reached in, squeezed the connector, gave it wiggle, then went bottom-side to push up and remove.
Now to find a cable, searching for the part number shown on the old cable doesn't come up with much, guess I'll the dealer.
I'll post pics of the cable connector later.
Instead there is a pressure type mechanism where you must squeeze the cable from the top side and push upwards (towards the console) to release it from the bracket. I won't say how long it took me to figure that out :-/ It may be able to be done from the bottom of the car but since my console was already apart from trying to diagnose what happened in the first place, I just reached in, squeezed the connector, gave it wiggle, then went bottom-side to push up and remove.
Now to find a cable, searching for the part number shown on the old cable doesn't come up with much, guess I'll the dealer.
I'll post pics of the cable connector later.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Mine just broke last week at a gas station. Had to be towed.
I had a shop I trust replace entire cable and change the transmission fluid.
Total cost $500.
And yes it only broke at the transmission but had them replace entire cable as my luck the cable or connection at shifter would break a week later. I get a year warranty this way and no laying on my back trying to change it in the rain.
I had a shop I trust replace entire cable and change the transmission fluid.
Total cost $500.
And yes it only broke at the transmission but had them replace entire cable as my luck the cable or connection at shifter would break a week later. I get a year warranty this way and no laying on my back trying to change it in the rain.
