Adjust the Grand Am shifter cable
The Pontiac Grand Am is available in manual and automatic transaxle configurations. The shifter cable is part of the automatic transaxle and is one of the few repairs feasible on an automatic by a 'Do It Yourself' mechanic. Like any steel cable, shift cables are subject to wear and will eventually stretch or even break. The cable runs from inside the shift console, through the firewall, and connects to the manual lever on the transaxle.
Instructions
Adjust the Shift Cable
1. Loosen and remove the negative battery cable with a socket or box wrench.
2. Locate the shift cable attachment at the manual lever on the transaxle. Pry the cable off of the manual lever using a small screwdriver.
3. Rotate the manual lever clockwise from the Park position until it is in the Neutral position.
4. Put the shift lever inside the cab into the Neutral position.
5. Pull up on the cable adjuster tab with a pair of pliers and connect the cable to the manual lever. The adjuster will automatically put the right amount of tension in the cable.
6. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery and tighten with a box or socket wrench.
7. Apply the parking brake and attempt to start the engine in each transmission shifter position. The engine must only start in Park and Neutral. Go back and adjust the cable tension again if necessary.
Tips Warnings
If the engine starts in positions other than Park and Neutral and the cable appears to be adjusted properly you may need to test and replace the Neutral Safety Switch.
