Auto Trans Shifter Cable Linkage Retainer Clip In Console?

Hi, first time poster. I have a new to me 2008 Tacoma. It had the common sounding can't shift out of park issues. I used some great troubleshooting tips here to figure out my problem which ended up being a brake light fuse that was preventing the shift interlock from releasing normally. I also fixed the brake lights that had gone out unknown to me.

Anyway, while I was in the console I removed the shifter itself to lube it up good as it was still a bit sticky.

I noticed that the P/O had attached the shift cable with the plastic loop end to the shifter assembly using a zip tie which i'm sure wasn't OEM.

On the parts diagrams I am not seeing what type of clip was on the end or does that just not have a retainer? The metal pin coming out of the shifter assembly has a slight bulge to it near the end of the pin, but not enough to keep the plastic ring at the end of the shift cable in place. It comes off so easily? Seems like a problem? What goes on here?

 

I think I know what you are talking about,

I had an issue a few days ago where it completely stopped shifting on me and it was stuck in park. After tearing it apart, I didn't see anything to suggest how it stayed on in the first place.

What I did to fix it was find a random bolt that was of same diameter and cut it to length, then attach the bolt that was already with the part, then I stuck it through the groove, a washer, the plastic loop, and then another bolt that I found.

After doing this, the issue of shifting was solved. However, I do now notice the shifting is a bit stiff so I'm intrigued on how you will solve this issue.

 

Hopefully this picture explains it better



I feel like the round shift cable needs a retainer clip to hold it on this metal shaft

 

It is hard to tell from the photos but there is no zip tie in the diagram. Already knew Toyota would never use zip ties in this fashion.

 

Yes the zip tie is definitely a previous repair. I assume it’s some type of clip that holds the round plastic shift cable end onto the metal shaft here. I just don’t know what it looks like and I don’t see it in the diagram so maybe I’m wrong and it’s just “luck” that it stays on the shift pin

 

Is the cable coming off when you shift gears?

 

Yes, it was popping off and the P/O had ziptied the shaft to the retainer slot to try to help it stay attached.

 

I’m asking a Toyota master mechanic right now if there’s a clip

 

Ok. OP. There is supposed to be a little black bushing in the hard plastic end that pops over the tapered pin. That looks like it’s missing. Option is replace cable. The bushing may be available in the aftermarket. Drill a small hole thru the pin and insert a cotter pin.

 

Thank you so much! It just seemed like it needed something for sure. I was thinking I would go hit up the clip / pin selection at the hardware store and find something that seemed reasonable.

 

It’s available in the aftermarket.

 

Awesome - I was just looking at that too. There is a Dorman one that is half the price that looks about the same and says its an exact fit also. I kept getting the wrong results by searching for clip instead of bushing - the clip for this cable holds the cable to the chassis and i didn't see the bushing reflected separately. Thank you again so much.

 

Anytime. Post up the results. If you find it.

 

I got the Dorman 14103 shift bushing kit from local auto store and one of these 4 bushings (the larger black colored one) was a perfect fit. Solved my problem. Thank you again for the direction!

 

Great!! Glad you got it fixed.