928ntslow

I think I am "lexicdys". I can't seem to find how the selector cable for PRND21 gets adjusted in the WSM. I can't start the car in "P" because the car is actually in "R". I pull the shifter back to "R" and it is still in reverse. I have to start the car in "N". I got under there last night and messed with the lever and I can manually pull it all the way back and then it will be in "P". The distance it needs to move is only a few degrees. So when in "P", the lever is not back all the way at the tranny. How do I lengthen the cable to allow for this?

evozine

I'm having a similiar problem on my 1984automatic. Although my parking gear works fine. I am one gear off going towards the rear. I need to find this cable and adjust accordingly.

What year is yours... ?

Bill Ball

Keith:

Pop the cable's socket end off the ball on the lever at the tranny, loosen the lock nut and turn the socket end to extend it to mate up as you need. This is the same type of cable length adjuster as on the Bowden cable end at the throttle quadrant.

Before you do that, make sure the cable bracket nearby is tight - it may be allowing the cable to move if loose.

[Ooops! These are for the 3-speed. See subsequent posts. Same idea, just diferent configuration.]

928ntslow

Bill...sorry, I don't understand

Can you please explain this better? I see no place where there is an adjustment on the cable like you say. I have popped off the ball cup and there is nothing like what you speak of. Got pics?

Bill Ball

Hmmm...there should be an adjustable end on that cable - the socket end and cable are threaded. Let me go put the car in the air and have a look.

928ntslow

OK...see the pic now...is this the adjuster?

Bill Ball

NO. That's just a bracket.

Mine definitely has an adjustable end. It doesn't look like the image from the WSM. The ball faces outward and the socket has a pin in it to lock it on to the ball. My wife has my camera or I would include a pic. The cable has an accordian sheath covering the bare area between the end and the bracket. Anyway, it's adjustable.

John Speake

Bill is correct as usual :-)

I found on my car that I also needed to adjust the starter lockup/backup switch on the side of the auto 'box. This adjustment is described on page 37-109 in vol 3 WS manual.

When you've checked that is OK with the cable still disconnected at the selector lever on the 'box, select "N" on the gearbox by counting the clicks, set the gear selector in the car to the corresponding position. Then adjust the ball socket on the end of the cable so it just slips onto the ball of the lever on the box.

Bill Ball

Here is a diagram for the A28. The images I included before were for the earlier tranny. IT IS ADJUSTABLE.

928ntslow

Mine is the 3 speed. I will go out in a few and have another look, but it looks exactly like the first diagram you showed with no adjuster.

Bill Ball

Oh, this is your OB. The OB cable is adjustable as well. The image doesn't clearly show it.

Bill Ball

I could be all wet on this. I don't know the OBs. The WSM doesn't mention a lock nut on the socket end like it does for A28. Perhaps the cable is adjusted another way. The WSM just says to remove the socket from the ball and adjust the cable. If there is no way to rotate the socket on the end of the cable, then I can see why you (and I) are confused.

evozine

Thanks Bill for posting the diagram. Can you confirm my translation of the instructions.

(i) (Move selector lever to N).
Does this mean: From under the car, manually move the lever (where the ball had is located), and count the clicks until you locate neutral.

(ii) (Pull ball socket off ball head on range selection lever.)
Makes sense!

(iii) (Set range selection lever on transmission to "N".)
Does this mean: Get in car, put your hand on transmission handle and select Neutral.

(iv) (Adjust ball socket)
Makes sense!

jpitman2

The OB is very different, only done at the box, where the 4 speed is at least partially adjustable in the engine bay. Struggling to recall the difference now, its been a while since I touched it. There are two plates connected at the shaft locked by a nut. IIRC the wsm says to loosen the nut so you can move the plates relative to one another, and NOT to tighten against the shaft stop, else internal damage results. Once loosened you can use a bolt/nut aligned with the cars centre line to adjust the releationship of the plates which affects the shift points - its a fine adjustment. Sounds like Keith's problem is a loose or maladjusted not holding the plates to the cross shaft? It is in the WSM, so keep looking.
jp 83 Euro S AT 51k

PandaNin

Hi Evo,

I just changed out the entire cable on my '84 because the shroud extending to the ball-end was completely deteriorated and I couldn't get into Park OR reverse.

Couple of hints from my experience:

1) Put the gear selector in N (in car)
2) Loosen the exhaust shield immediately under the tranny; it'll push out of the way; 3 screws on mine. Who knows, probably missing 1 or 2.
3) I used a long screwdriver to pop the ball joint off very carefully
4) Twist the ball joint end of the cable to extend it. Just a few twists do the trick.
5) Put it back on. It's not easy. You might need something to leverage against to put it on.
6) Put the gear selector into Park (in car) and make sure the car starts and the wheels are locked. If so, you're in park, if not, readjust
7) Put the heat shield back in place
8) celebrate that you didn't have to pay $251 for a new cable