Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Pinpoint Test C: The Control Linkage Is Binding
- C1 CHECK THE SHIFT CONTROL COMPONENTS FOR DAMAGE
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
- Gain access to the shift control components.
- Key in ACCESSORY position.
- Apply the brake pedal.
- Observe all shift control components while attempting to shift the selector lever through all ranges.
- Are any of the components damaged?
WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .Yes : REPAIR as necessary. REINSTALL all components. TEST the system for normal operation. If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to C4.
No : GO to C2.
- C2 CHECK THE SHIFT CONTROL COMPONENT OPERATION WITH THE SELECTOR LEVER CABLE DISCONNECTED FROM THE TRANSMISSION
- Key in OFF position.
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
- Disconnect the selector lever cable from the manual control lever.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Key in ACCESSORY position.
- Apply the brake pedal.
- Observe the shift control components while attempting to shift the selector lever through all ranges.
- Do the components move fluidly through all ranges?
Yes : REFER to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION for internal transmission repair. If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to C4.
No : GO to C3.
- C3 CHECK THE SHIFT CONTROL COMPONENT OPERATION WITH THE SELECTOR LEVER CABLE DISCONNECTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect the selector lever cable from the transmission selector lever arm and support.
- Key in ACCESSORY position.
- Apply the brake pedal.
- Observe the shift control components while attempting to shift the selector lever through all ranges.
- Do the components move fluidly through all ranges?
Yes : INSTALL a new selector lever cable and bracket. REFER to SELECTOR LEVER CABLE AND BRACKET - COLUMN SHIFT . TEST the system for normal operation. If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to C4.
No : REFER to STEERING COLUMN for steering column repair. If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to C4.
- C4 REPOWER THE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
- Verify that the fire suppression system is repowered. Refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
- Is the fire suppression system repowered?
WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .Yes : Fire suppression system repowering is complete.
No : REFER to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM for fire suppression system depowering and repowering procedure.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.