Automatic Transmission Shift Lever Is Loose In The Shift Gate And/Or Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed (TS 09 03129R)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS LOOSE IN THE SHIFT GATE AND/OR IGNITION KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

CONDITION

The transmission gear shift lever does not hold firmly to the left of the shift gate as expected. This could result in the ignition key release solenoid not releasing the ignition key.

CAUSE

The shift lever tension spring has broken.

CORRECTION

DO NOT replace the gear shift lever assembly! Replace the shift lever tension spring. See instructions below.

PART(S) INFORMATION

Part Numbers	Description	QTY	Notes
28095-85Z00	Spring 18mm	1	The spring coil length is 18 mm.

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

Labor Operation	Description	Failed Part Number	Complaint Code	Defect Code	Labor Time
GH9999	Spring 18 mm	28095-85Z00	35	14	0.4 Hrs.

Inspection and Replacement

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Shift the transmission to "L" and shut of the engine.
2. Dis-connect the battery negative cable.
3. Move both front seats to the full forward position and remove the screws located on both sides of the rear section of the center console. There will be one screw on each side of the center console.
   Fig 2: Center Console Rear Section Rear Screws

   
4. Slide the front seats to their full rearward position and remove the two screws from the front section of the center console. There will be one screw on each side of the center console.
   Fig 3: Center Console Rear Section Front Screws

   
5. Slide the rear console back far enough to expose the two screws that secure the front center console.
   Fig 4: Center Console Front Section Screws

   
6. With the gear selector still in the "L" position, lift the front center console up and toward the rear of the vehicle.
   Fig 5: Lifting Front Center Console

   
7. Continue to lift the console while maneuvering it around the shifter and parking brake levers.
   Fig 6: Removing Front Center Console

   
8. Move the front center console aside. It is not necessary to disconnect the electrical connector.
9. Remove the four top screws holding the shift gate to the shifter assembly.
   Fig 7: Top Screws Holding Shift Gate To Shifter Assembly

   
10. Move the gear shift to "Park" then lift and rotate the shifter gate 90 degrees to access the tension spring.
    Fig 8: Rotating Shifter Gate

    
11. Remove the broken spring from the gear shift lever and position detent rail as needed.
12. Install the new spring. Gently move the shift lever to the left of the vehicle to allow easy installation of the spring.
    Fig 9: New Shift Lever Spring

    
13. Re-align, attach and tighten down the shift gate. Be sure manual release is between the solenoid and the shift cable. Tighten the bolt 1/16th of a turn from seated.
    Fig 10: Tightening Down Shift Gate

    
14. Re-assemble the front and rear center console in reverse of dis-assembly. Be sure to not scratch the shifter knob when re-installing the front console.
    Fig 11: Inspecting Clearance