Automatic Transmission Shift Lever Is Loose In The Shift Gate And/Or Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed (TS 04 03049)

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
28191-86Z00	Spring 15mm	1	The spring coil length is 15 mm.

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

Labor Operation	Description	Failed Part Number	Complaint Code	Defect Code	Labor Time
GH9999	Spring 15 mm	28191-86Z00	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 off the engine.
2. Open the center console storage cover using the passenger side latch release.
   Fig 2: Passenger Side Latch Release

   
3. Remove the center console storage box by squeezing one side, and then pulling straight up.
   Fig 3: Center Console Storage Box

   
4. Remove the three indicated screws.
   Fig 4: Center Console Screws

   
5. Unlock the shifter knob retaining ring by rotating it counterclockwise looking from above. It will rotate approximately 1/4 turn.
   Fig 5: Unlocking Shifter Knob Retaining Ring

   
6. Lift the shifter knob straight up. It may require slightly twisting and pulling at the same time.
   Fig 6: Shifter Knob

   
7. Loosen the gear indicator trim by using a plastic trim removal tool to avoid scratches on the console.
   Fig 7: Gear Indicator Trim

   
8. Lift the gear indicator trim and remove the gear indicator lamp. Set the trim aside and move the lamp away from your work space.
   Fig 8: Gear Indicator Lamp

   
9. Remove the console trim lifting from the rear first and work towards the front.
   Fig 9: Removing Console Trim

   
10. Release the wire for the shift lock solenoid from the anchor.
    Fig 10: Shift Lock Solenoid Wire

    
11. Remove four shift gate bolts.
    Fig 11: Shift Gate Bolts

    
12. Remove the broken spring from the gear shift lever and position detent rail.
    Fig 12: Gear Shift Lever Spring

    
13. Install the new spring. Gently move the shift lever toward the left side of the vehicle, allowing easy installation of the spring.
    Fig 13: New Gear Shift Lever Spring

    
14. Re-align, attach and tighten down the shift gate. Tighten the bolt 1/16th of a turn from seated.
15. Reposition the shift lock solenoid wires removed from step  11.
16. Position the center console facia over the shift lever and tuck the wire harnesses into the console away from any movable area of the shifter.
    Fig 14: Center Console Facia

    
17. Re-attach the facia to the console starting at the front. The front section of the facia will have to be carefully positioned between the radio facia and the manual shift lock release.
    Fig 15: Locating Radio Facia And Manual Shift Lock Release

    
18. Snap the console facia back into place and tighten down with three previously removed screws.
19. Re-insert the console box.
    Fig 16: Center Console Screws

    
20. Re-attach the gear indicator lamp to the gear indicator trim.
21. Tuck the gear indicator lamp harness into the slot.
22. Snap the gear indicator trim back onto the facia.
    Fig 17: Gear Indicator Trim

    
23. Re-attach the shifter knob to the shaft. Completely seat the knob to the shaft to its original position.
    Fig 18: Installing Shifter Knob To Shaft

    
24. Rotate the lock ring clockwise as viewed from the top to lock the shift knob in place.
25. Verify proper operation of the transmission shift lever, indicator, and lighting.
26. Repair is complete.
    Fig 19: Rotating Lock Ring Clockwise