shift lever assembly problems

[REAPER STRAIN]

I have too much play (side to side) with my shifter on my manual trans camry. The 5 speed shifter seems to move too much while in gear and I cant figure out why. I haven't taken it apart but when I visually inspected it there doesn't seem to be an bushings or anything that looks warn or damaged. Has anyone ever had this problem? What can it be? Will I have to replace the whole assembly ($200)?

Thanks

[csaxon]

What year is your car? There was a TSB to replace shift lever assemblies awhile back.

The problem was the shift lever assembly retaining ring was lifting and allowing excessive movement of the shift lever.

Some symptoms were a loose shift gate feel and rattling.

Good Luck!

[REAPER STRAIN]

Yeah that sounds like my problem. my car is a gen 3. Where did you see this TSB and where can I get info on how to get something done about it?

thanks

[csaxon]

The TSB was for gen5. The FAQ on top of this forum has the gen 3 toyota manual. That might help you. You need the Adobe reader.

Here's the manual trans section http://www.**********s.com/camry/mx.pdf

[REAPER STRAIN]

well I changed to a short shifter this afternoon and found that shifter assembly is simple and not where the problem is. It only holds the shifter and cables in place. The problem I believe lies where the cable and transmission meets in the engine bay. It isnt supposed to move unless the clutch is engaged but moves anyway. It doesn't affect the ride or the shifting but it definately isn't the way it is supposed to do. I get the feeling I can pull it out of gear at anytime instead of it locking when the clutch is released. I'll keep you posted. Oh, and the short shifter is butter! I never new the joy. My car shifts so flawlessly now....

[Tercel GTS]

You can shift with the engine off but it's much more difficult to pull out of gear running. You may inspect the bushings at the cable ends to see if they are worn.