the column shifter in my 94 is getting kinda loose, i have to jiggle it in park so that it will start, and the only real way i know what gear im in is by how many times it clicks. for example, i can pull it down til the pointer is on (D), but the transmission is only in N. please tell me this is either an easy fix or doesnt hurt anything if i can live with it!

 

This is a fairly common problem and is easily remedied. You can do a search for the exact method here on the forum but the fix is near the base of the column where there is a bolt (or two... terrible that I can't recall right now) that tend to work loose over time... tighten 'em up and she'll shift like new.

 

To take this a step further, what's the fix for the gear indicator that's out of adjustment ? Mine sits between N and D when it's in Drive ( more to the N side... ) I've got an '86 with the indicator mounted in the dash.

Thanks !!

-Scott

 

I fixed his shifter prob. the other night. I found the two torx head bolts and tightened them as they were way loose.

 

Over time you will eventually have to replace the plastic bushings in the rods that attach the Steering column inside the engine bay down to the side of the Transmission.

 

Bolted to the lower side of the upper steering column flange is a detent aka a shift gate. The shift lever has a raised tab that fits into each position in the detent. The detent's edges wear down, which causes the shift lever to not fit properly.


One cause of a bad detent: Putting the vehicle in Park before engaging the parking brake. This causes the parking pawl inside the trans to lock up, and then you have to use force on the shift lever to get the vehicle out of park. This is hard on both the detent and the parking pawl.


A defective neutral safety switch (NSS) may also be the reason you have to wiggle the lever to get the truck to start.

 

Breaking of shift tube is also a problem I have replaced a few