Camry 98 (V6): Gear Stick stops working (can't change from 'P' to 'D' gear)

[kokyaw]

Hi all:

I need help from you guys, big big time.

I have a camry 98 (V6), auto transmission, with about 143k mileage. I have owned it since 2008. Just this evening (4 hrs ago), I tried to drive to a local restaurant.

I started the engine, pressed the break, pulled down the hand break, and then switched the gear from 'P' to 'D' position to start driving.

Then I felt some resistance from the gear/transmission stick (I did press the knob on the side whenever I move the stick) and heard some sort of clicking (not exactly but don't know how to describe) sound which was kinda loud (it sounded like some sort of physical connector which connects the stick to the transmission gear box was broken).

Then the stick moves freely without engaging in the transmission gears. So the stick keeps moving but the transmission gear keeps staying in 'P' position.

Please let me know what went wrong in this case. Will it be a big fix for me?

Thanks so much for your insight!
Robert

[Chris Crash]

Sounds like the shifter cable came loose or broke. Check for damage.

[kokyaw]

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

Sounds like the shifter cable came loose or broke. Check for damage.

Hi Chris,

May I know how I can check the damage? How much does it cost to get the cable?

Thanks!
Robert

[Chris Crash]

A new cable is pretty costly, unfortunately. Inspect it first to make sure it didn't just come un-clipped. You'll need to remove the shifter and surrounding trim. It might make it easier if you also remove the center console. Then look under the shifter and see if the cable is still attached. If you can see, it will be pretty obvious whether its still attached or not. If it is, the internals of it are probably shot. You can check this by grabbing one of the cable and pulling, and seeing if the other end moves.

[kokyaw]

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

A new cable is pretty costly, unfortunately. Inspect it first to make sure it didn't just come un-clipped. You'll need to remove the shifter and surrounding trim. It might make it easier if you also remove the center console. Then look under the shifter and see if the cable is still attached. If you can see, it will be pretty obvious whether its still attached or not. If it is, the internals of it are probably shot. You can check this by grabbing one of the cable and pulling, and seeing if the other end moves.

Does the cable cost less than $200? I am hoping I can fix this thing for less than $400-500 including labor.