2002 shifter cable

[saco2]

My shifter cable on my 2002 corolla 4 speed automatic is sticking. the dealer want $550 to drop the transmission and replace the cable. is this normal for replacing the cable? can it be grease without the expense of dropping the transmission. Any help will be appreciated.

[landphil]

There is no reason for the transmission to be removed to replace a shifter cable, but $550 would not cover the labour to re + re the tranny, replace the cable, and parts costs. I would venture to guess the service advisor has no idea what must be physically done to replace the cable, other than probably about 4 hours book time and roughly $150 for the cable (pure guessing here)- and walla, your $550 is gone!

If you're at all handy, it wouldn't be too complicated of a DIY project to change it yourself, just time consuming. You could try lubing it from both ends, but when cables start to stick it's typically going to need a new cable.

[Buurin]

What kind of lube?

I have one lying around... would want to lube it well before selling.

No way the transmission needs to come out, but you need nimble hands because they need to access some very awkward places if it needs replacing.