Auto shifter problem

[xracerx972]

I saw a million threads on shifters that wont shift out of park. My shifter goes to all gears as normal but wont lock into any gear. Any ideas?

It locks into park.

Shifts into reverse, but you can pull the lever back without pushing the button into neutral and then into drive.

From drive, you can push it forward without pressing the button into neutral.

2 and 1 feel really stiff and wont stay there unless you hold the lever into those gears. Replaced the shifter assembly already.

Im at a loss, theres not many threads about this.

[xracerx972]

This is for a 98 pathfinder vg30e 4wd by the way

[xracerx972]

So i isolated the fault as being an internal problem, its the gear selector cable that gives the lock, not the shifter itself.

Its something mechanical as the engine does not need to be running for the gears to lock into place.

Does anyone know auto transmissions better than me? I was thinking maybe a solenoid?

[xracerx972]

https://youtu.be/8vix6lxXfXY
4:29-4:34

I cant tell if that clicking is the actual valve body or the linkage itself. It seems to be the valve body mechanism thats giving those gear selection clicks that I've been referring to.

[Hawairish]

Haven't watched the vid yet, but the shifter assembly is what makes it so you have to press the button to switch in certain directions, not the linkage (there is no shifter cable). When you press the button, it moves a rod down that allows it to clear some teeth and shift. Park is the exception...there's a solenoid that (when the brake is pressed) that allows it to move from park...that part sounds fine.

I recommend taking the center console cover off and pulling the shifter. It takes about 15-20 mins. With everything out, you'll see exactly what I mean. Otherwise, take a look at some pics on Google or eBay listings for the shifter. I'll see if I can find a good pic, too.

[xracerx972]

Ive already replaced the shifter assembly and taken that all apart.

Theres two cables that connect to the shifter assembly, one on the right(passenger) side that goes to the ignition lock mechanism and another on the driver side that goes to the transmission shifter linkage. If you pull this shift linkage cable off the shifter assembly, you can push it in and click it through the various gears on a normal functioning transmission. I tested it on my QX4. On the pathfinder, there is no clicking through the gears felt through this cable.

If you watch the video, you can see the guy moving the trans shift linkage as the cable normally would. Im just not sure if thats actually the valve body, which I would assume it is, or the actual linkage mounted to the trans (which seems unlikely)

[xracerx972]

http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs ... 206d90.gif

This is a different shifter, but its the same setup and location as what Im talking about (item 5 in diagram)

Ive never replaced a valve body, but it doesnt look too hard.. Do you have any experience with it, any tips?

[xracerx972]

Solved. Above the valve body is a spring-like retainer with a roller bearing that sits on top of a bracket that has teeth that correspond with the gear the shifter is in. As you can see in one picture, this springs bearing is not sitting on top of the teeth as it should and in the next picture, it is properly installed. Now the shifter goes into all gears and clicks into all gears as it should.