Things are getting a little shifty... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

1997AvalonDave · 10-03-2011, 12:27 PM

I bought my 1997 Avalon XLS about 6 years ago with the odometer reading about 150,000 miles. It now reads 264,000 miles. I like the car and I'd like to keep it.

Recently, however, the plastic end of the column shift lever broke in two. It now dangles from the end of the shift lever by the wires to the over drive button.

I have a limited budget (I drive a 14 year old car) and I would like to replace the shift lever myself. I am concerned about how difficult this might be and the risk of setting off the air bag in the steering wheel.

Any thoughts or advice?

pmesfun · 10-03-2011, 05:09 PM

Rent a manual from your local library and source a shift lever from a junkyard. Be careful not to tear the o/d wire or the transmission won't shift into the last gear=bad mpg.

1997AvalonDave · 10-03-2011, 05:58 PM

Unfortunately, the several manuals I have checked do not cover the removal and replacement of the column mounted shift lever. Nor do they warn about the risks of setting off the steering wheel air bag.

BonzoGonzo · 10-03-2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1997AvalonDave

Unfortunately, the several manuals I have checked do not cover the removal and replacement of the column mounted shift lever. Nor do they warn about the risks of setting off the steering wheel air bag.

the air bag certainly can kill you. disconnect the battery then hold the brake pedal down for 30 seconds to make the air bag safe.

usually, the shift lever has a pin that you drive out, then it comes out. but the presence of wires announces another step - which is probably removing the cover from the steering column and then chasing the wires from the od button to their plug...

pmesfun · 10-03-2011, 06:17 PM

Can you take a picture of the back of the shifter handle where the o/d button is? I have taken out my shifter but its a floor shift.

1997AvalonDave · 10-03-2011, 06:17 PM

That helps! Thank you.

fourwheeler · 10-03-2011, 06:21 PM

Try this link. Should let you access the factory service manual for a nominal fee for a few days. Download it or save just the parts you need.

https://techinfo.toyota.com/

1997AvalonDave · 10-04-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmesfun

Can you take a picture of the back of the shifter handle where the o/d button is? I have taken out my shifter but its a floor shift.

While I took a picture, I'm not sure how to send it to you.