I tried to put my van into reverse. The gear shift started to slide as usual, then clicked as if something came loose at the steering column. Help! Can I fix this myself?

Need an answer about how I can do this pretty soon. . . mechanic wants to do it Monday and charge about $200.

 

This sounds familiar, I just did this job.

The column lever is attached to an aluminum tube running down your steering column. At the bottom (just above your feet) the tube has a cover plate on the end with an arm which attaches to the cable (snap on and off connection) that goes to the transmission. At the transmission, the cable has an adjusting clamp and another snap on connection to a small lever that sets your gear selection.

you could have:
1. a disconnected cable (not too likely)
2. a loose cover plate at the bottom of the tube, attached with two torx30 screws which can come loose (nice and easy to fix)
3. a broken shift tube inside the column (requires taking apart the dash, the steering column covers, dropping the column by removing the four support screws, removing the shift tube & plunger and replacing them - parts about $50 and about two hours labour if you aren't interrupted)

I had 2, then 3.

If you have either 2 or 3, remember to re-set the cable adjustment at the transmission when you are finished.

 

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