Ive read almost every thread about this and I cant figure out whats wrong with my 4 speed shifter. I can get every gear except reverse. Ive adjusted the cables on the transmission and the shifter holes line up. When i shift over to reverse it starts moving forward. Also when i put the shifter in the bottom left (where there should be no gear) it still moves forward. Also the shifter doesnt stay in the same spot when you let it go. For example if I put the car in first, it will go rest in the 3rd gear spot even though the transmission stays in first gear. Thoughts??

85 SE 2.8 4 speed

I wold probably start with disconnecting the cables at the transmission and try moving it through the gears by hand using the arms on the trans and see if everything there works as as it should. Assuming everything is good there then you know where the problem isn't, that could only leave a problem with the cables/cable connections or the shifter itself. . . . .

quote Originally posted by Dave E Bouy: I wold probably start with disconnecting the cables at the transmission and try moving it through the gears by hand using the arms on the trans and see if everything there works as as it should. Assuming everything is good there then you know where the problem isn't, that could only leave a problem with the cables/cable connections or the shifter itself. . . . .

I've disconnected the cables before and gone through all of them. I just feel like the shifter isn't going far enough over to the left for reverse to actually happen. Any ideas why the shifter won't stay in gear even if the transmission does?

I would guess that your shifter mechanism in the center console is worn out. There are a few threads on here showing that the steel bases crack and/or the bushings in the pivot holes wear out.

As for not staying in the apparent reverse location, the four speed shifters have a special lock-out gate to ensure you don't accidentally put the shifter in reverse. It's really just a spring loaded ramp. The part of the shifter mechanism that rides up that ramp wears out after a while and can make the shifter flop around while in reverse. This might be your problem, but I'd be more inclined to think your bushings are worn out since you've got problems in all gears.

Biggest reason is lack of lubrication in the shifter assembly in the console. The steel roller will not go over the hump on the steel piece. Get in there and oil everything up well and there is a good chance it works well again.

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I didn't know there were so many bushings on these shifters. I'm going to lubricate everything and try it again. Otherwise, the bushings seem like the could be a very good thing to replace! Thanks for the help