Hoping it's just the gearshift lever. Anyway 94 GXE 120K miles. Occasionally after starting in P and selecting D the car just acts like it is in N. If your are on a slope it just rolls away with the brakes released. It doesn't do this all the time, but occasionally. However, if you select 1st gear from D it will go into gear and then put it in D and drive away. Or I've tried putting it in reverse and moving abit, then selected D and being on my way. So it's like it isn't getting the signal some times, and various cycling the gearshift seems to wake it up. The tranny shifts ok, though I have noticed a rare gear shift slip for a few seconds. So what's it sound like-lever, solenoids, or a worn tranny?

 

Shifter bushing.

 

Thanks. I googled those words, and that sounds exactly like my problem and description. Luckily, it's a cheap part.

 

Any other suggestions or ideas on what "shifter bushing"

I have the same problem on my automatic. Put it in reverse sometimes and it just doesn't go. If you move it back to Park then back in 2-3 times Reverse will eventually go. Problem seems to be getting worse progressively.

What exactly could it be, and where do i find it?

 

I have a suggestion for you, I have the same problem. Start your car, press the shifter button and just barely move it out of park, then let go of the button and move it as far back as you can go. I guarantee itll engage Drive.

 

I will try that, but any idea what it could be to fix it?

 

There are two bushings, one at each end of the shifter cable. They are nylon and tend to break and fall off the car. One is located where the cable meets the tranny, the other is above the cat. convertor heat sheild (accessed from under the car).

 

Thanks a lot eric!!!

I will take a look.

Will it be obvious to me what these bushings look like?

Last time I checked the linkage, there was a black rubber peice by the tranny that was like an accordian... is the nylon bushing before that?

 

They are located at the very end of the cable. Nylon is typically white, but they may be dirty. But like I said they usually break and fall off the car. They are in the shape of a donut, and sit behind the clip that holds the cable to the tranny and at the other end of the cable where it meets the shift selector under the car. They only cost a couple bucks each, its best to just replace both, even if they are still intact.

Took me forever to figure mine out, most reponses on the org are half-a$$.

 

Once again thanks a lot!!!!

I will go to the dealer on monday and pick up a set of them.

Replace any that remain, or ones that have fallen off already.

Cheers !!!