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Cadillac Repair/Sloppy gear selecter, 1984 Eldorado

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Expert: - 11/29/2009


Question
My mechanic (garage mechanic who's worked on my cars for years) said he has 'seen' this a lot before and it's a fairly common problem, but he isn't sure if there are still parts available to fix this. (he thinks it's bushing problems). Example: To shift into D I have to shift all the way to 1 and then back up to engage into D. I also have to shift below R and back up to get it to 'catch' into reverse. I've also had issues with not being solidly into D and have gotten torque converter codes and the cruise won't always engage. He also said he thought this was a fairly common problem with the FWD GM full size cars from 79-85.

After searching online all I could find was info on adjusting the neutral safety switch.

Is his recollection of this being a bushing issue correct, and if so, are the parts still easily available?  

Answer
Hello,

It sounds more like a broken shift tube in the steering column. The only way I could tell you to get parts would be get a used steering column from 79-85 Toronado, Riviera or Eldo. Then the components from your column and the used column would need to be swapped. At the same time the 4 bolts at the bottom of the column can be tightened so the column does not become loose (Very Common).

Very few out there know how to rebuild steering columns, it really is an art. I don't do them any longer, but I know people that still do.

Rob

http://www.autotheftexpert.com

Cadillac Repair

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Rob Painter

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Alarm system questions cannot be answered on this forum. These systems are not what I can answer. Without being physically at the vehicle and not knowing what kind of electrical service has been done on the vehicle, there is no possible way to give an accurate answer over the internet. My expertise is in Ignition/key based anti-theft systems. These issues include GM VATS (resistor chip in key blade) PASSLOCK (MRD)-ignition lock rotation based, no special ignition key and the PKIII Transponder (computer chip in key) systems. These systems are not alarm based and are integral with the starting of the engine. This is why I cannot diagnose alarm problems without physically looking at the vehicle: Alarm systems are a completely different annimal than ignition key/lock based anti-theft system. Many alarm questions come from vehicles 10 years old, and since older, many hands that had been involved over the years.I am an expert in all GM factory (ignition/key based)systems. Alarm system questions pose to many situations beyond my knowledge as to what has been done to the vehicle over the years. Some guy may have actually wired the stereo into the alarm system. Who knows? Over my past 30 years in vehicle wiring repair, I have seen unbelievable wiring disaters done by guys that consider themselves "mechanics." I have seen stereos and alarms intalled using surgical tape. I have seen modules burn up, un-fused circuits, wiring jambed between the doors and even lamp cord used for a starter kill. To answer alarm questions over the internet without examining the vehicle is like asking; What does it take to remove a dent?

Experience

Education/Credentials-ASE certified. 11 years with a GM dealer and 17 years with a repair facility dealing with only the repair of theft recovered vehicles.

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