GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 71445  Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Shift the floor shift control to NEUTRAL.
  3. If replacing a damaged cable, be sure that BOTH the floor shift control and the transmission are in NEUTRAL.

  4. Remove the catalytic converter assembly. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  5. Remove the driveline tunnel closeout panel. Refer to Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Reinforcement Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  6. Important: Use care to not suddenly jerk the shift control cable during disassembly, the shift control cable rod end guide tubes are EXTREMELY INFLEXIBLE and capable of only a SLIGHT bend.

  7. Using a large flat bladed screwdriver, CAREFULLY release the shift control cable end clip from the floor shift control arm stud.
  8. Remove the shift control cable from the driveline tunnel bracket.
  9. 6.1. Using a flat bladed screwdriver, pry the cable retaining staple clip from the cable.
    6.2. Depress the cable retaining tabs.
    6.3. While depressing the tabs, push the tabs through the hole in the driveline tunnel bracket.
    6.4. Slide the cable out of the bracket slot.

    Object Number: 71443  Size: SH
  10. Remove the nuts retaining the shift control cable bracket to the transmission.
  11. Reposition the cable and cable bracket away from the studs.

  12. Object Number: 173669  Size: SH

    Important: Use care to not suddenly jerk the shift control cable during disassembly, the shift control cable is EXTREMELY INFLEXIBLE.

  13. CAREFULLY release the shift control cable end clip from the transmission shift lever stud.
  14. Remove the shift control cable and bracket.

  15. Object Number: 71444  Size: SH
  16. Remove the shift control cable bracket from the shift control cable, if necessary.
  17. 11.1. Using a flat bladed screwdriver, pry the shift cable retaining staple clip from the cable.
    11.2. Depress the shift cable retaining tabs.
    11.3. While depressing the tabs, push the tabs through the hole in the shift cable bracket.
    11.4. Slide the cable out of the bracket slot.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 71444  Size: SH
  1. Install the shift control cable bracket to the shift control cable, if removed.
  2. 1.1. Slide the smaller diameter portion of the cable into the slot in the shift cable bracket.
    1.2. Push the tabs through the hole in the bracket to lock the cable in place.
    1.3. Insert the shift cable retaining staple clip between the shift cable retaining tabs.

    Press the staple clip firmly to secure.


    Object Number: 71445  Size: SH
  3. Position and install the shift control cable to the driveline tunnel bracket.
  4. 2.1. Slide the smaller diameter portion of the shift cable into the slot in the driveline tunnel bracket.
    2.2. Push the shift cable retaining tabs through the hole in the bracket to lock the cable in place.
    2.3. Insert the shift cable retaining staple clip between the shift cable retaining tabs.

    Press the staple clip firmly to secure.

  5. Align the shift control cable end to the floor shift control arm stud.
  6. Important: Use care to not suddenly jerk the shift control cable during assembly, the shift control cable rod end guide tubes are EXTREMELY INFLEXIBLE and capable of only a SLIGHT bend.

  7. CAREFULLY secure the shift control cable end clip to the floor shift control arm stud.

  8. Object Number: 71443  Size: SH
  9. Install the shift control cable bracket to the transmission studs.
  10. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  11. Install the nuts retaining the shift control cable bracket to the transmission.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the transmission shift control cable bracket retaining nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 173669  Size: SH
  13. Check to be sure that BOTH the floor shift control and the transmission are in NEUTRAL.
  14. Align the shift control cable end to the transmission shift lever stud.
  15. Important: Use care to not suddenly jerk the shift control cable during assembly, the shift control cable is EXTREMELY INFLEXIBLE.

  16. CAREFULLY secure the shift control cable end clip to the transmission shift lever stud.

  17. Object Number: 173667  Size: SH
  18. If installing a NEW transmission shift control cable, remove the shipping guard from the adjuster lock.

  19. Object Number: 73238  Size: SH
  20. If installing a NEW transmission shift control cable, depress the shift control cable adjuster lock.
  21. Lower the vehicle; leave the vehicle on the hoist.
  22. Verify that the shift control cable is operating smoothly:
  23. 13.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
    13.2. Turn the ignition switch to ON; DO NOT start the engine.
    13.3. Apply the regular brakes.
    13.4. Shift from NEUTRAL to FIRST, then shift from FIRST to SECOND, then DRIVE and so on; pause for 1 second in each detent position.

    Take note of an audible sound from the transmission shift lever each time a shift detent is selected.

    13.5. Shift from PARK directly to FIRST.
    13.6. Repeat steps 13.4 and 13.5 an additional 2 times.
    13.7. If any binding is felt during this check, or if no audible sound was produced from the transmission shift lever, inspect the shift control cable for damage (at either end of the cable).
    13.8. Shift the floor shift control into PARK.
    13.9. Release the regular brakes.
    13.10. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
    13.11. Release the parking brake.
  24. Raise and support the vehicle.
  25. Install the driveline tunnel closeout panel. Refer to Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Reinforcement Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  26. Install the catalytic converter assembly. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  27. Caution: Road test a vehicle under safe conditions and while obeying all traffic laws. Do not attempt any maneuvers that could jeopardize vehicle control. Failure to adhere to these precautions could lead to serious personal injury and vehicle damage.

  28. Test drive the vehicle in an area with little traffic; ensure that the transmission will shift smoothly into, and maintain each detent position.