Contents: Replacement ↓ Adjustment ↓
Caution: On Lexus models, access to the shift cable for replacement requires removal of the fascia and heater/air conditioning control panel (see chapters 11 and 3).
Replacement
1. Disconnect the ground cable from the battery (see paragraph 1 of chapter 5).
2. Remove the center console trim panel (see chapter 11).
3. Remove the floor carpet and center lower section of the fascia trim (see chapter 11).
4. Remove the battery and battery tray (see chapter 5).
5. Remove the air filter housing and air intake ducts (see chapter 4).
6. Disconnect the gear shift cable from the manual lever on the gearbox (Fig. 3.6).
Fig. 3.6. Loosen the nut and disconnect the gear shift cable from the hand lever on the side of the gearbox
7. Remove the large C-shaped cable clamp (Fig. 3.7) from the bracket located on the side of the transmission.
Fig. 3.7. Remove the large C-clamp cable from the bracket on the side of the transmission
8. Remove the gear shift cable from the wire support (Fig. 3.7).
Fig. 3.8. Remove the gear shift cable from the wire support located on top of the gearbox
9. On Lexus models, remove the air conditioning unit (see chapter 3).
10. Disconnect the gear shift cable from the gear shift lever on the center console (Fig. 3.10).
Fig. 3.10. Use trim remover (A) to separate the shift cable from the gearshift lever (B) on the center console
11. On Highlander models, remove the two bolts on the side of the center console (Fig. 3.11).
Fig. 3.11. Unscrew the two nuts on the center console
Note: Lexus models are equipped with a special retaining cap that secures the cable to the shift lever assembly. Turn this cap counterclockwise, remove it and remove the cable from the shift lever bracket.
12. Remove the bolts from the gear shift cable bracket located on the bulkhead (Fig. 3.12).
Fig. 3.12. Remove the bolts securing the gear shift cable bracket to the bulkhead
13. Pull the rope across the floor.
14. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal.
15. Finally, adjust the cable (see paragraphs 16 - 21).
Adjustment
16. When the selector lever inside the vehicle is moved from the neutral position to other positions, it should move smoothly and accurately to each position, and the gear shift indicator should indicate the correct range. If the indicator does not indicate the correct range, adjust the gear shift cable as described below.
17. Remove the battery and battery tray (see chapter 5).
18. Disconnect the gear shift cable from the manual lever on the gearbox.
19. Move the manual gear lever down to position P (all the way down), and then return it two notches to position N (Fig. 3.19).
Fig. 3.19. To adjust the gear shift cable, push the manual de-stop lever down and back two clicks, which corresponds to the neutral position. Then move the selector lever into the car's interior to neutral overlay. Tighten the nut
20. While holding the hand lever in the N position, tighten the gear shift cable adjusting bolt.
21. Check the operation of the gearbox in each position of the selector lever (try to start the engine in each range; the starter should only operate in park gear and neutral position).