You don’t want to wait too long to get your gear shift cable replaced. Here are some common reasons why it might break: overuse, fracture, burnt solenoids, and dirty fluid. If you suspect the cause, get several quotes from mechanics before deciding on a price. When possible, schedule your repair as soon as possible to avoid having to pay a large bill at the end of the month.
The replacement of a new gear shifter cable will cost you back around $300 on average.
The average cost of a car gear shift cable repair is between $200 and $600, while some automobile manufacturers may be more costly to fix. A slack shifter cable can be tightened and serviced for around $100.
The cost of these services will vary depending on your technician and the age of your vehicle.
What is a Gear Shift Cable?
When you activate the shifter, the transmission in your car’s transmission system shifts gears thanks to a gear shift cable. The gear shift lever and the transmission block are connected by shifter cables, often known as trans cables or control cables.
By pulling on the cable as you move the shifter, you may create leverage and change the gears into the proper positions. A gear shift cable is seen in both manual and automatic vehicles.
Automatic transmissions typically require one cable, but manual transmissions typically use two. The bigger shift linkage system that connects the gears, shifter, and transmission includes the shifter cable as part of it.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Gear Shift Cable?
The cost of repairing a gear shift cable varies depending on your car’s make and model, as well as your mechanic’s location. For labor and parts, you should expect to pay around $300 on average.
Some models may cost as little as $200, while more costly brands may cost as much as $600.
The typical cost of a gear shift cable for many popular car models is shown in the table below.
Keep in mind that these are only averages and might change at any time.
| Make/Model | Price |
| Honda Civic | $200 |
| Honda CRV | $190 |
| Toyota Camry | $500 |
| Toyota Corolla | $400 |
| Chevy Silverado | $250 |
| Ford F-150 | $280 |
| Ford Fusion | $350 |
| Ford Mustang | $200 |
| Nissan Altima | $180 |
| BMW 3 Series | $400 |
| Audi A4 | $570 |
Overuse
You should be aware of the possible risks associated with gear shift cables that are damaged or worn out. Having a broken or worn-out shift cable can increase your car’s chances of an accident. Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid this costly problem. Read on to learn how to keep your car running at peak performance. Also, learn what to look for when replacing your shift cable. Below are some tips to help you determine whether or not it’s time to replace your gear shift cable.
First of all, if your cable is damaged, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately. You should get a quote from several mechanics before deciding on a single mechanic. If you don’t, the damage may be permanent. Also, if you continue to drive your car without replacing it, you could be exposing yourself to a higher repair bill. You might even risk damaging your car’s engine or causing it to overheat.
Most cars have shift cables, which are made of stiff metal. Over time, they stretch and break. A broken cable will make it impossible to shift to Drive or Reverse. Frequent shifting may also speed up the breakdown process and reduce its efficiency. Furthermore, overuse can lead to a kink or a bend, which could compromise your vehicle’s shifting capabilities. So, if your car’s shift cable is damaged, it is essential that you get it replaced as soon as possible.
Overuse also wears out plastic connectors. When these connectors become broken, they can weaken the shift cable and cause other problems. Other symptoms of a faulty shift cable include transmission issues and bad smells. Fortunately, replacement is relatively easy and inexpensive. But, in some cases, it can be difficult to identify if the cable is damaged or needs to be replaced. To save money, make sure you get it checked immediately.
Fracture
The first step in repairing a broken gear shift cable is to determine the exact location of the problem. You must be aware of your car’s model number and name. Once you know these details, you can find a repair kit online. Depending on the size of the problem, it can take up to 15 minutes to complete the repair. If the cable is loose, it can be tightened by a mechanic. However, if it’s stretched, you’ll need a new one.
In addition to this, you need to know whether the cause of your problem is a faulty or worn-out gear shift cable. You should check for noises or a burning odor coming from the car. A burning smell may also be the result of a bad bushing or lack of lubrication. In any case, if the problem persists for more than a few days, you should get a replacement for it.
If you’re unsure whether your problem is the shift cable, the mechanic can test it for free. It’s important to be aware that a damaged cable may not mean a damaged cable; it could mean a broken transmission shift anchor arm instead. If that is the case, you may have to purchase a new transmission shift cable. A good mechanic will be able to determine the exact cause of the problem, and suggest a solution.
The shifter cable is an integral part of a car’s gear system. Without it, the car’s shifter cannot function properly. Even if it looks fine, a broken cable may require a complete replacement. Fortunately, there are a few signs that indicate a problem. If you notice these symptoms, you should contact a licensed mechanic for an assessment. If you don’t, the problem could get worse and cost you a lot of money.
A broken shift cable can be costly to replace. A new one can cost up to $1,400 for labor and parts. This cost does not include taxes or fees. The repair will take about 20 minutes to complete. Remember to take safety precautions before attempting the repair. First, switch the car into neutral. Then, find the broken end of the shift cable. Once you’ve located it, follow the instructions on the repair manual carefully.
Dirty fluid
If you are having trouble shifting gears or have noticed that the transmission has been hard to shift, the most likely cause is dirty transmission fluid. If you notice any color or consistency changes in the fluid, you should change it immediately. Transmission fluid changes the way your vehicle shifts and prevents it from working properly. It is easy and inexpensive to replace the fluid, and you should check the condition of the fluid color chart to determine the condition.
The cost to replace the shift cable varies by vehicle, so the price you’ll pay for this repair will likely be different. However, if you are driving a Ford Fusion or a Toyota Camry, you can expect to pay between $280 and $350 for the repair. These costs include the labor and the new cable. Depending on where you live, the cost will likely be less than this.
A burning smell or noise can be a sign that your transmission fluid needs replacing. Transmission fluid lubricates the internal parts and serves as a coolant. When this fluid is contaminated, it will not perform its task properly and cause the transmission to overheat. This can be dangerous to your safety and the overall performance of your car. If you notice a burning smell, get it checked right away.
The gear shift cable is made of a combination of steel and plastic. A steel wire in the center is surrounded by a durable plastic sleeve. The more durable the material, the more expensive the cable replacement. A loose cable can be tightened by a mechanic, but if it is stretched, you will need to buy a new cable. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you should consider taking your car to a mechanic.
You should also make sure the transmission fluid level is correct. In case of a leak, a transmission fluid flush is necessary to diagnose the problem. Dirty transmission fluid can also cause a delay in gear shifting. In such a case, you should take it to a transmission specialty shop for a checkup. They will also check your vehicle’s computer to see if any trouble codes have been logged.
Burnt solenoids
When you notice slow shifts when shifting gears, you may have a burned solenoid in your transmission. Sometimes the solenoid is not even burning, but it could be a sign of a wiring issue. Dirty transmission fluid can also cause the solenoid to become stuck. If your car shows any of these symptoms, you should contact an experienced mechanic immediately. Burnt solenoids in gear shift cables are a common problem.
The transmission is the most expensive internal part of your vehicle. If the solenoids in your gear shift cables are burned, you may have to replace the entire transmission. In addition, a burned solenoid may cause disconcerting gaps between gears, which can affect your driving performance. Changing transmission fluid frequently will help the solenoids last longer. It will also clean the solenoids and prevent them from sticking. Your owners’ manual will tell you when your transmission needs servicing. If you cannot locate the manual, you can Google the transmission model of your vehicle.
You should also take a look at your starter solenoid, which controls the motor’s circuit. This component controls the voltage of the starter motor and engages the pinion gear. This is a crucial part of the car’s ignition, since it provides up to 200 amps for each ignition turn. Although it is a strong component, it is not invincible and will break down at some point. Luckily, you can turn to RepairSmith for help. Our team of ASE-certified mechanics will diagnose and repair your car’s solenoid.
Symptoms of burnt solenoids in gear shift cables can be unpredictable, delayed, or even permanent. Your transmission may even start to overheat and break down. Warning lights in your car will let you know that your transmission is in danger of failing. If you don’t address the problem, you could cause your car to overheat or even run in limp mode. Luckily, there are easy ways to diagnose the problem yourself, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Besides malfunctioning transmissions, burned solenoids in gear shift cables can also cause erratic shifting and may even result in an accident. The solenoid is inside the valve body of the automatic transmission. The car’s computer controls the transmission solenoid and directs the fluid into the valve body. If the solenoid fails, your car may experience erratic shifting and the transmission may fail altogether.
Final Words
Gear shifter cables are one of the less expensive components of a car. On average, it will cost approximately $300 to replace a gear shifter cable.
The typical price range is between $200 to $600, though some car brands might be more expensive to repair. You can tighten and service a loose shifter cable for approximately $100.
These prices will depend on your mechanic and the age of your car.