Shift / linkage problem

Topic: Shift / linkage problem (Read 3416 times) previous topic - next topic

Shift / linkage problem

June 07, 2016, 12:03:20 PM

I have an 88 tbird Sport with AOD and a floor shifter. Apparently my shift stopped functioning correctly so I had to remove it which looks stupid now. I can shift with my thumb by manually pressing down on the white button that engages the shifter, but the itself will no longer do this. Is the linkage worn out or could it be the itself? How can this be fixed ?

This is what I'm dealing with:

Thank you for any info or help!

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #1 – June 07, 2016, 12:28:06 PM

I have an AOD shifter from my 91 Mustang LX that I won't be needing. If I can dig it out and you decide you want to replace it, let me know.

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #2 – June 07, 2016, 01:24:18 PM

Not sure if that will fit correctly...or will it ?

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #3 – June 07, 2016, 09:00:43 PM

It should.

Usually the white nylon rod inside breaks...first I've really heard of the button or spring inside going bad.

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #4 – June 08, 2016, 04:54:20 AM

You should be able to pull the white part out and check if it broke. It looks like a string of beads. I fixed one with a plastic ball added one time, like from fake bead jewelry.

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #5 – June 08, 2016, 11:56:06 PM

Okay I was afraid to pull that rod out but I think that is the problem..the and button / spring seem to be fine. How far out did you pull it ?

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #6 – June 09, 2016, 05:36:36 AM

Quote from: Gary3072;455689

Okay I was afraid to pull that rod out but I think that is the problem..the and button / spring seem to be fine. How far out did you pull it ?

All the way out.

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #7 – June 09, 2016, 03:44:13 PM

I can still shift the car manually by pressing the white rod down with my thumb, which is what I'm currently doing. WHy wouldn't the and button do this though ? Is the white rod not sticking up far enough ?

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #8 – June 10, 2016, 09:31:55 AM

When the string of beads breaks it lets it compress in the broken area so the shifter button doesn't press it down far enough. I was lucky enough to find another shifter in the junkyard and pull the intact piece from it but you should be able to come up with a creative fix for it. I think I've heard of people using ball bearings for the area under the break and retaining the upper part of the string.

Here is mine from when it broke.

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #9 – June 29, 2016, 12:14:29 PM

I replaced my broken "string of beads" by cutting off a piece of an old toy hand held windmill on a plastic stick that my daughter wasn't using any more. You can probably buy one at Walmart or dollar store. Just cut the right length, lube it up and slide it in. The plastic handle on those windmills are tough and very flexible. Good for going through the s-shaped shifter tube. 3 years later still working mint!

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #10 – June 29, 2016, 02:03:54 PM

Were you able to get the old broken piece out ? If so how did you do it ? Also how did you know the correct length of the piece so the shift fits correctly ?

Quote from: AT8 Cat;455972

I replaced my broken "string of beads" by cutting off a piece of an old toy hand held windmill on a plastic stick that my daughter wasn't using any more. You can probably buy one at Walmart or dollar store. Just cut the right length, lube it up and slide it in. The plastic handle on those windmills are tough and very flexible. Good for going through the s-shaped shifter tube. 3 years later still working mint!

Shift / linkage problem

Reply #11 – July 02, 2016, 03:15:38 PM

Quote from: Gary3072;455975

Were you able to get the old broken piece out ? If so how did you do it ? Also how did you know the correct length of the piece so the shift fits correctly ?

I used a small piece of 2-sided tape on the upper broken piece and fished it back down with needle nose pliers and grabbed it that way. Took some time but eventually got it. If I had to do it again I might have tried one of the "flexible claw pick up tools" which would have worked even better I think and they are usually less than $10. For length I just laid out all the broken pieces together to figure out the right length. After I had the right length I rounded the edges and greased them up so they wouldn't damage the contact points especially the shifter button.