G8RB8

I tried searching but couldn't come up with a definitive answer. I read about a "lockout rod" and adjusting the cable. Are these the only two possibilities? The transmission seems to work OK otherwise, but I'm just looking for a car and this is the first one I've driven. I think I moved the selector through all positions when I first got in the car while parked, but can't remember for sure. Then on the short test drive I tried downshifting and couldn't move the lever back past D.
Jim Bailey (the other one)

928mac

What the hell do I know, sorry, I'm a new owner but these guys will help you.

Soooo mines a auto

Hilton

I don't have an auto.. but the first thing I'd be checking for is a physical obstruction under the plastic cover plate.. something about the size of one of those free pencils from the golf course.

neilh

+ 1 on Hilton - Can you shift it to 3 -2 when engine is off? If not, pull the left and right panels and look for an obstruction.

AO

I've seen this before. In my case it turned out the gear selector cable/linkage was not adjusted properly back at the trans. Have a friend or kid move the gear selector back and forth a few times while you look at the driver's side of the trans. Then you will see how you can loosen up the linkage and properly adjust it. IIRC it moves opposite of how it moves in the car. You'll figure it out.

G8RB8

Sorry, what panel(s)? New to 928s but not Porsches ('86 944 and 2K Boxster) or wrenching on old cars.

G8RB8

Thanks

Not too worried about being able to figure it out just want to get a feel for how bad it could be before I commit to buy it then have to fix it. If I'm looking at pulling the tranny I'll pass on it.

neilh

the left and right vertical panels under the center console, around the transmission 'hump'

Mrmerlin

before you pull the cover off the console,
make sure the shifter handle has both screws in it its base,
NOTE slide the rubber bellows down and see the screws.

if they are loose or missing,
its quite possible that the handle has lifted up a bit,
and this will make button on the shifter less able to push the shifter rod into the shifter,
this will then stop the lever from going to full aft position.
After inspecting this ,
you can remove the shifter handle screws ,
and pull off the handle,
then try pushing down on the inner shifter rod.

this may make more sense after you pull off the handle.
NOTE dont drop the screws into the bellows they will be gone forever

blown 87

Before you take anything apart, slide under the car and make sure that the rubber grommet is where it should be on the shifter cable at the bracket on the transmission.
They get oil soaked and do not hold the cable any more.

Landseer

I've had a cable jam.

If the bellows is broken at the transmission end of the linkage, the cable grease can get coated with sand.

When a little sand carries-up into the cable shroud it will first restrict motion somewhat, then eventually jam.

This would manifest in increasing hard movement of the shifter and inability to reach the various handle positions, though. Cable replacement is not that difficult.

G8RB8

WOW! What a great forum. That's as many replies as I would expect to get on the Miata forum with 10x more members. I'll be sure and check each of these if I buy the car.
Anyone in south Florida that wants to volunteer to take a look at it? I plan to take it over to Gulf Performance for a final inspection, but would welcome any expert opinions prior to laying out the cash for that.

John Speake

If you are a newcomer to the 928 then I strongly recommend that you take it to Gulf Performance for a PPI before you commit to buy.

Especially ask Vinnie to check the flex plate/ crank end play...... also ask the owner if he has checked the flex plate. If he looks blank, then even more essential to get that aspect checked.

The gear shift problem may well have a simple cause. The lockout is released by the button on the side of the lever, and you obviously had to use that to select "R" ?

Landseer

^^^If John is recommending somebody, they will be 928 capable! Important on the 928 to have a specialist.

Remember, too, that the S4 after mid-year 87 build had a transmission valve body change. In D, it will always start in second gear. Also, lots of these cars have a loose downshift cable, making upshifts too rapid and downshifts difficult unless floored. Simple adjustment. Have an expert help. Might be simple.

This is an important link to fully understand. Like the early boxsters have a fatal flaw, so too do the S4 autos. Flexplate movement happens, don't be alarmed. What you need is crankshaft endplay measurement.

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...pictorial.html

Finally, here are some (random) pictures of the shift mechanism on a slightly older 4 speed automatic car, but its very, very similar to the S4. (S4 cable is about an inch longer to clear the bigger torque converter and has a different mounting support) Sorry, no pictures of the broken bellows / sand issue at the transmission selector switch. Failed to snap the money shot on this job.

Tails

With regards to your problem I attach the following pdf files.
Tails 1990 928S4 Auto