stuck shifter - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

biggreen292 · 01-20-2009, 05:46 PM

its been pretty cold lately and the truck has sat for a couple weeks so i decided to move it to the driveway and let the sun hit to thaw out all the snow on it. fires up pretty easy with just a few pumps, let it run a few minutes, go for 1st gear...i cant pull the shifter towards me, up and down is fine to get 2nd and 3rd but i cant get to 1st and reverse. from the engine compartment i can shift fine so its all in the column. suggestions? it was near freezing today and it still feels the same, it has to be a mechanical problem and not just ice..i think.

Stock72c10 · 01-20-2009, 06:01 PM

Mine has been doing the same thing since I have owned it. I have to shift sequentially 1-2-3 or 3-2-1. If I skip 2nd it will hang up and I have to get under the hood and "unjam" it.

oldblue1968chevy · 01-20-2009, 07:54 PM

theres linkage bushings maybe need to be replaced, im goin huntin for some myself when i gets warm..

cdowns · 01-20-2009, 08:27 PM

lubrication in a spray can sometimes works wonders

71tahoe · 01-20-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

lubrication in a spray can sometimes works wonders

Plus you'll probably have to clean the internals of the column. I had one gum up and in cold weather I tried to get it in reverse. SNAP goes the shift arm!!!!!!

smoked68 · 01-20-2009, 10:08 PM

Mine did the same eons ago, 3 in the floor, then 4 in the floor...fixed it.

biggreen292 · 01-21-2009, 05:03 PM

i think i'll use the heat gun on it this weekend and see if that helps. before this it worked perfect, always tight and smooth.

i so need a 5 speed

PanelDeland · 01-21-2009, 08:11 PM

There is a good write up in the FAQ's on adjustment of the shifter.I think it has some tips on cleaning/lubing the column assembly.

arkie726 · 01-21-2009, 09:28 PM

My automatic was doing something simular, I ended up taking the top, head part, apart and found the slot that the tube slides up and down in, was full of old grease, 30 some years worth of dust and dirt and just wouldn't slide. I cleaned it up added new grease and it worked almost like new! Just a note, I first pulled it out and tried working on it on the bench but couldn't find a way of holding it, I ended up putting it back in the truck and taking it apart and fixing it there, wasted a bunch of time taking it in and out!

biggreen292 · 01-22-2009, 06:00 PM

it was 35 out today and i was able to get first and reverse, kept working it and it got better so its definitely just the old grease and gunk in there stiffening up.

i'll checkout the article in the FAQ, thanks boys

Kayotic · 01-22-2009, 07:32 PM

Just a little off topic, But where is reverse with 3speed on the tree. My shift lever broke long before I got it. She's not road worthy but would make life easier moveing her in the yard.

Green Machine · 01-22-2009, 09:27 PM

You are going to have a hard time getting it into reverse without a lever. Anyway, to get reverse, shifter in neutral, pull lever back toward you and then push up. Might be able to use a screwdriver as a lever susbstitute. Someone in the parts section should have something to fix you up.

Bus Ted Knuckle · 01-22-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kayotic

Just a little off topic, But where is reverse with 3speed on the tree. My shift lever broke long before I got it. She's not road worthy but would make life easier moveing her in the yard.

First is toward you and down, second is away from you and up, third is away and down (straight down from 2nd). Reverse is toward you and up.

Kayotic · 01-22-2009, 09:46 PM

Thanks guys, thought so,,, Ha I think I found out why it broke in the first place. I have a linkage issue.

scrapmetalart · 01-27-2009, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

There is a good write up in the FAQ's on adjustment of the shifter.I think it has some tips on cleaning/lubing the column assembly.

do you have a link. i can't find it. Thanks!

69SierraClassic · 01-27-2009, 09:46 AM

My 3 sp. Auto column shift is doing the same thing. Can't pull it towards me to get it out of park. Can move it from under the hood, no prob. Is it the consensus that it just needs taken apart > cleaned > & re-greased?

01-20-2009, 05:46 PM	#1
biggreen292 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: manchester,nh Posts: 44	stuck shifter its been pretty cold lately and the truck has sat for a couple weeks so i decided to move it to the driveway and let the sun hit to thaw out all the snow on it. fires up pretty easy with just a few pumps, let it run a few minutes, go for 1st gear...i cant pull the shifter towards me, up and down is fine to get 2nd and 3rd but i cant get to 1st and reverse. from the engine compartment i can shift fine so its all in the column. suggestions? it was near freezing today and it still feels the same, it has to be a mechanical problem and not just ice..i think. __________________ http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b3...fleet041-1.jpg 71 custom camper/20:292/saginaw, my first pickup 83 cutlass cruiser:307/th250c, lifelong project 96 caprice 9C1:LT1/4L60E, police package 83 buick regal estate: buick 350/m20 69 bel air:250/m21

01-20-2009, 06:01 PM	#2
Stock72c10 classic=of recognized value Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 317	Re: stuck shifter Mine has been doing the same thing since I have owned it. I have to shift sequentially 1-2-3 or 3-2-1. If I skip 2nd it will hang up and I have to get under the hood and "unjam" it.

01-20-2009, 07:54 PM	#3
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: stuck shifter theres linkage bushings maybe need to be replaced, im goin huntin for some myself when i gets warm.. __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

01-20-2009, 08:27 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: stuck shifter lubrication in a spray can sometimes works wonders __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-20-2009, 10:08 PM	#6
smoked68 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Rock Hill, SC Posts: 421	Re: stuck shifter Mine did the same eons ago, 3 in the floor, then 4 in the floor...fixed it. __________________ 1968 chevy shortbed, Dark Shadow Gray 4 bolt 383 Stroker,Weiand Super Charger, disc brakes, 9 inch, 391 gear, 20" Eagle wheels, muncie 4 speed/ Hurst shifter, 4/7 drop, Hedman midlengths, 3 inch exhaust w/ 2 chamber flows. 1966 Mustang with 306 roller, c-4, 9 inch Detroit locker rear. 1965 Fastback Mustang w/347 stroker, top loader 4spd, 9 inch detroit locker. 1966 Mustang coup, 306 roller, c4, 9 inch. 65 Cobra, 427, T6oo, 9inch, of course. First gen Hayabusa, airbox mod and running 2 exhaust cams.. Zoom Zoom Zoom

01-21-2009, 05:03 PM	#7
biggreen292 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: manchester,nh Posts: 44	Re: stuck shifter i think i'll use the heat gun on it this weekend and see if that helps. before this it worked perfect, always tight and smooth. i so need a 5 speed __________________ http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b3...fleet041-1.jpg 71 custom camper/20:292/saginaw, my first pickup 83 cutlass cruiser:307/th250c, lifelong project 96 caprice 9C1:LT1/4L60E, police package 83 buick regal estate: buick 350/m20 69 bel air:250/m21

01-21-2009, 08:11 PM	#8
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: stuck shifter There is a good write up in the FAQ's on adjustment of the shifter.I think it has some tips on cleaning/lubing the column assembly. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-21-2009, 09:28 PM	#9
arkie726 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Lebanon, MO Posts: 48	Re: stuck shifter My automatic was doing something simular, I ended up taking the top, head part, apart and found the slot that the tube slides up and down in, was full of old grease, 30 some years worth of dust and dirt and just wouldn't slide. I cleaned it up added new grease and it worked almost like new! Just a note, I first pulled it out and tried working on it on the bench but couldn't find a way of holding it, I ended up putting it back in the truck and taking it apart and fixing it there, wasted a bunch of time taking it in and out!

01-22-2009, 06:00 PM	#10
biggreen292 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: manchester,nh Posts: 44	Re: stuck shifter it was 35 out today and i was able to get first and reverse, kept working it and it got better so its definitely just the old grease and gunk in there stiffening up. i'll checkout the article in the FAQ, thanks boys __________________ http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b3...fleet041-1.jpg 71 custom camper/20:292/saginaw, my first pickup 83 cutlass cruiser:307/th250c, lifelong project 96 caprice 9C1:LT1/4L60E, police package 83 buick regal estate: buick 350/m20 69 bel air:250/m21

01-22-2009, 07:32 PM	#11
Kayotic Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 300	Re: stuck shifter Just a little off topic, But where is reverse with 3speed on the tree. My shift lever broke long before I got it. She's not road worthy but would make life easier moveing her in the yard. __________________ Atlanta Craigslist Hurst Indy Pickup Truck 3-Speed Shifter - 5010016

01-22-2009, 09:27 PM	#12
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Re: stuck shifter You are going to have a hard time getting it into reverse without a lever. Anyway, to get reverse, shifter in neutral, pull lever back toward you and then push up. Might be able to use a screwdriver as a lever susbstitute. Someone in the parts section should have something to fix you up. __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0

01-22-2009, 09:46 PM	#14
Kayotic Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 300	Re: stuck shifter Thanks guys, thought so,,, Ha I think I found out why it broke in the first place. I have a linkage issue. __________________ Atlanta Craigslist Hurst Indy Pickup Truck 3-Speed Shifter - 5010016

01-27-2009, 09:46 AM	#16
69SierraClassic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ostrander, Ohio Posts: 2	Re: stuck shifter My 3 sp. Auto column shift is doing the same thing. Can't pull it towards me to get it out of park. Can move it from under the hood, no prob. Is it the consensus that it just needs taken apart > cleaned > & re-greased? __________________ 1969 Sierra Classic Custom 2wd automatic



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