cvm2004

how to replace a shift cable on a 2004 corvette with automatic transmission

Mad*Max

You should ask this in the C5 section to get a better response.

Fast one

Saw this yesterday; http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/tra...-transmission/.

Vetteman Jack

Moved to C5 Tech.

GCG

Probably there's no need to replace the whole shift cable. What usually happens is that the bushings are gone and they are the only things that need to be replaced.

All you need is the kit. Use the white bushings (the orange ones are for Ford):

And shows you how to do it.

UM Rebel

If you have to replace the entire cable, it's a PITA! What finally worked for me was to cable tie the back of the new cable to the front of the old cable and pull the the new cable through from under the car.

unlvrebel

I agree that replacing the entire cable is a pain. Better part of a day for me. My problem was the worn bushings that GCG noted above. I learned a valuable lesson... Get to the shift cable from the top by removing the center console/bezel and then the shift boot. Pull the cable off the pivot and replace the bushing. Here is the lesson... Don't pull up on the cable end too much for visibility/reach... The end is fragile and brittle.

JBB

Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Shift the floor shift control to NEUTRAL.
If replacing a damaged cable, be sure that BOTH the floor shift control and the transmission are in NEUTRAL.

Remove the catalytic converter assembly. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
Remove the driveline tunnel closeout panel.
Important: Use care to not suddenly jerk the shift control cable during disassembly, the shift control cable rod end guide tubes are EXTREMELY INFLEXIBLE and capable of only a SLIGHT bend.

Using a large flat bladed screwdriver, CAREFULLY release the shift control cable end clip from the floor shift control arm stud.
Remove the shift control cable from the driveline tunnel bracket.
6.1. Using a flat bladed screwdriver, pry the cable retaining staple clip from the cable.
6.2. Depress the cable retaining tabs.
6.3. While depressing the tabs, push the tabs through the hole in the driveline tunnel bracket.
6.4. Slide the cable out of the bracket slot.


Remove the nuts retaining the shift control cable bracket to the transmission.
Reposition the cable and cable bracket away from the studs.


CAREFULLY release the shift control cable end clip from the transmission shift lever stud.
Remove the shift control cable and bracket.


Remove the shift control cable bracket from the shift control cable, if necessary.
1.1. Using a flat bladed screwdriver, pry the shift cable retaining staple clip from the cable.
1.2. Depress the shift cable retaining tabs.
1.3. While depressing the tabs, push the tabs through the hole in the shift cable bracket.
1.4. Slide the cable out of the bracket slot.
Installation Procedure


Install the shift control cable bracket to the shift control cable, if removed.
1.1. Slide the smaller diameter portion of the cable into the slot in the shift cable bracket.
1.2. Push the tabs through the hole in the bracket to lock the cable in place.
1.3. Insert the shift cable retaining staple clip between the shift cable retaining tabs.


Position and install the shift control cable to the driveline tunnel bracket.
1.1. Slide the smaller diameter portion of the shift cable into the slot in the driveline tunnel bracket.
1.2. Push the shift cable retaining tabs through the hole in the bracket to lock the cable in place.
1.3. Insert the shift cable retaining staple clip between the shift cable retaining tabs.
Align the shift control cable end to the floor shift control arm stud.
CAREFULLY secure the shift control cable end clip to the floor shift control arm stud.


Install the shift control cable bracket to the transmission studs.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Install the nuts retaining the shift control cable bracket to the transmission.
Tighten:

Tighten the transmission shift control cable bracket retaining nuts to 20 [n-m] (15 lb ft).



Check to be sure that BOTH the floor shift control and the transmission are in NEUTRAL.
Align the shift control cable end to the transmission shift lever stud.
CAREFULLY secure the shift control cable end clip to the transmission shift lever stud.


If installing a NEW transmission shift control cable, remove the shipping guard from the adjuster lock.


If installing a NEW transmission shift control cable, depress the shift control cable adjuster lock.
Lower the vehicle; leave the vehicle on the hoist.
Verify that the shift control cable is operating smoothly:
3.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3.2. Turn the ignition switch to ON; DO NOT start the engine.
3.3. Apply the regular brakes.
3.4. Shift from NEUTRAL to FIRST, then shift from FIRST to SECOND, then DRIVE and so on; pause for 1 second in each detent position.
3.5. Shift from PARK directly to FIRST.
3.6. Repeat steps 13.4 and 13.5 an additional 2 times.
3.7. If any binding is felt during this check, or if no audible sound was produced from the transmission shift lever, inspect the shift control cable for damage (at either end of the cable).
3.8. Shift the floor shift control into PARK.
3.9. Release the regular brakes.
3.10. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
3.11. Release the parking brake.
Raise and support the vehicle.
Install the driveline tunnel closeout panel.
Install the catalytic converter assembly. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.