2004 42RLE Auto Shifter Issue

B1M3X8

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Feb 12, 2021
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My 04 Rubi auto has a shifter issue. For reverse you must go into neutral first. For drive you must go into two first. I have the FSM but I still can't seem to figure it out. I've taken two videos of the issue. The bushing at the end of the cable seems fine as well. Any ideas? Am I looking right at it?

 
Take a look at the shift cable end bushings. One is under the shifter bezel on the shift lever and the other is on the transmission.
 
Take a look at the shift cable end bushings. One is under the shifter bezel on the shift lever and the other is on the transmission.
Done. Both are good.
 
Well heck that lessens the odds of a potentially easy solution.

But one more easy free thing to check... a low ATF level can cause wonky issues. With the engine running (!) check that the transmission's ATF level is fully up to the full mark and not below it. If it's low bring it all the way up to the full mark with ATF+4 and see what happens. They can get and do get low on ATF.

Keep in mind the engine absolutely has to be running while checking an automatic's ATF level.
 
Well heck that lessens the odds of a potentially easy solution.

But one more easy free thing to check... a low ATF level can cause wonky issues. With the engine running (!) check that the transmission's ATF level is fully up to the full mark and not below it. If it's low bring it all the way up to the full mark with ATF+4 and see what. They can get and do low.

Keep in mind the engine absolutely has to be running while checking an automatic's ATF level.
Thanks, I'll knock that out tomorrow and report back.
 
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Warning non technical correct term usage - if you pull up the accordion shift indicator is the clear plastic arrow in the correct position/slot? If it isn't in the slot it will sit too low and create issues like yours.
 
Warning non technical correct term usage - if you pull up the accordion shift indicator is the clear plastic arrow in the correct position/slot? If it isn't in the slot it will sit too low and create issues like yours.
The shift indicator lines up properly with the gears if that's what you mean. The shifter isn't clicking in the gears and I need to go into another gear first before getting into the desired gear.
 
Also, I'm assuming this is it's second shifter from this sticker.

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