So, I went for a hard 1st to 2nd shift tonight and the car went into neutral even though the shifter was all the way into 2nd. No problem, I figured the cable has slipped or stretched, so I would adjust the clip for the linkage. Opened up the center console and discovered this:



Yep, bent the shift linkage, apparently don't know my own strength. Anyone know the part number for this so I can get it fixed up ASAP?

 

Don't know your own strength huh?

Give this link a look, it has the part numbers and a parts diagram for you.

http://parts.nalleygmc.com/showAssem...rimLevel=14421

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Looks like this is going to be a ***** to fix.

 

Sweet looking SS...... Might as well upgrade the shifter while you are in there. check the classifieds think there is one there for a song and a dance. Then grab second like you mean it, carefull you don't blow the hotside pipe off the turbo and dent the hood. Like I did, but the shifter worked great...

 

see that shows you've been eating your Wheaties!!!

 

I was an easy job on my '62 VW when I broke the shifter between the upper ball and the lower ball. The tough part was shifting in reverse pattern with a socket extension for a shifter for a week. Darn near broke my knuckles on the dash when it let go.

 

I'm laughing with ya donbrew.

Mine was a '68 VW and that 9 foot long accelerator cable was a pain to change for this(then) novice 17 year old.

 

So anywhooo. Looks like just bending the rod back into place was only a temporary fix. The linkage broke completely on a 2-3 shift tonight.


Unfortunately it broke in while in the neutral position. After coasting off to the side of the highway, I was able to figure out a way to get er home.



Good ole fashioned vice grips. I also now know how to steer with my knees, and use both hands to shift (One for left/right, one for front/back). Looks like I'll be installing the linkage this weekend.

And for absolutely no reason, here's the ole gal in front of the venue I'll be having my wedding at this April:

 

nice place for a wedding and to show off your HHR, post lots of pic's of the cable change, I'm sure more will be needing to see how to do it as these rides get on in years

 

I've got the same problem on mine, the white shifter blocks come out of position and it feels like nuetral. I have to let it go back into the nuetral position and then it goes into gear. Mine only happens during "spirited" shifting. I haven't bend anything yet though :o)

Please take lots of pics as there are several of us with this issue.