Warning. On Lexus models, access to the shift cable for replacement requires removal of the bezel and heater/air conditioning control panel (see chapter 11 and 3).
Replacement
1. Disconnect the ground wire 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 bezel trim section (see chapter 11).
4. Remove the battery and battery shelf (see chapter 5).
5. Remove the air cleaner housing and intake ducts (see chapter 4).
6. Disconnect the shift cable from the hand lever on the gearbox (pic. 3.6).
Pic. 3.6. Loosen the nut and disconnect the shift cable from the hand lever on the side of the gearbox
7. Remove the large cable C-clip (pic. 3.7) from the bracket located on the side of the gearbox.
Pic. 3.7. Remove the large C-clip of the cable from the bracket on the side of the transmission
8. Remove shift cable from wire support (pic. 3.7).
Pic. 3.8. Remove the 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 shift cable from the shift lever on the center console (pic. 3.10).
Pic. 3.10. To separate the shift cable from the shift lever (IN) on the center console, use the trim remover (A)
11. On Highlander models, remove the two bolts on the side of the center console (pic. 3.11).
Pic. 3.11. Loosen 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 cover counterclockwise, remove it and remove the cable from the shift lever bracket.
12. Remove the bolts from the shift cable bracket located on the bulkhead (pic. 3.12).
Pic. 3.12. Turn out bolts of fastening of an arm of a cable of a gear change on a bulkhead
13. Pull the cable through the floor.
14. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal.
15. Finally, adjust the cable (see p.p. 16 - 21).
Adjustment
16. When the selector lever inside the vehicle is moved from neutral to other positions, it should be moved to each position smoothly and accurately, and the shift indicator should indicate the correct range. If the indicator does not show the correct range, adjust the shift cable as described below.
17. Remove the battery and battery shelf (see chapter 5).
18. Disconnect the shift cable from the hand lever on the gearbox.
19. Move the hand lever on the gearbox down to position P (all the way down), and then return it two notches to the N position (pic. 3.19).
Pic. 3.19. To adjust the shift cable, depress the manual de-stop lever and return it two clicks back to the neutral position. Then move the selector lever into the vehicle interior to neutral overlay. eclipse nut
20. While holding the hand lever in the N position, tighten the shift cable adjusting bolt.
21. Check the operation of the gearbox at each position of the selector lever (try to start the engine in each range; the starter should only operate in park gear and in neutral).