Hi everyone,

I have a stick shift 96GT, done about 163K miles. Today I noticed the gear stick to be really loose, I can move it around about 1" even when it's in gear. The car goes ok, changes gear ok, and doesn't come out of gear (yet). However I'm sure something's wrong with it as i've had the car for a while and it never used to be this loose. I'm worried it'll come out of gear when I'm on the freeway or something!

Does anyone know what the problem might be? A loose screw, perhaps...?

I think a previous owner installed a short throw shifter, if this is relevant.

Thanks in advance for the help,

Richard

 

Check to make sure it is a Short shifter. (How can you not tell whether it is a short-shifter or not?) I just had this problem. I have aMac Short-shifter. The screws came loose that connect the top part that connects to your shiftknob to the actual shifter. Mine had allen screws. All I had to do was retighten them and it is good as new.

 

thank you very much for the reply. I think it's a short shifter because the previous owner told me...I can take photos if it would help.

How do I access the allen screws?

thanks,

Richard

 

if you have to question whether or not its a short shifter, it isnt...i can run through all my gears by moving my wrist only

 

Ok, maybe it's not a short throw shifter then. :-)

How would you suggest i fix the problem?

thanks,

Richard

 

Pull out the plastic part around the shifter. It might take a little bit to get it out and it might sound like it is breaking but it shouldn't. lol At least mine didn't. When you get that off you can see the actual shifter. When you see the shifter wiggle it around and see where it is loose at.

 

yup i had that problem with my 5.0 shifter.

thing one time actually fell apart when i was driving. (talk about WTF)

i have used loc tite and havent had a problem since

 

I FIXED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was easier than I thought. :-)

Thank you all very much for the help!!!!!!!!!!!

 

what was the issue?

 

It was like indisposible_teenssaid (above). I just tightened the allen screws and now it's fine.