C3 reverse lockout troubles...

[Don Becker #41636]

...this weekend my reverse lockout broke down.

Turns out that the internal cable bent down by the transmission, therefore it wouldn't raise the 'lockout arm' on the steering column and I couldn't get the key out of the ignition.

So I used the overhaul/shop manual (which I didn't feel explained squat) to try to discern what the problem was.

I removed the cable, but to my surprise, it moved very smooth, didn't appear to be the problem.

So I turned my attention to the arm on the steering column. The arm seems to move easily, but it takes someone fiddling with the ignition a little, it seems to may be stuck a bit, or binding up in some way.

Any suggestions or tips on fixing the steering arm portion of the problem? Recommended book? I have the shop manual, but I couldn't find a detail of the arm anywhere, can someone suggest a page number? (I have a 76 vette, so I have the 74 and the 76 suppliment)

Also, since the arm bound up and put a bend in the cable, is it junk? I had the better half get in the car and slowly put it in park as I pushed on the cable and prevented it from bending. Worked like a charm.

Let me know if you need more detail to help.

Thanks!

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 reverse lockout troubles...

Reverse lockout cable needs to FULLY/FIRMLY lift the lockout arm into its raised position. One adjustment is where the cable installs in the positioning bracket on the transmission and the other is at the steering column's retainer on the firewall. There is some adjustment of the firewall retainer plate by loosening nuts on captive bolts in the cabin and moving the position of the plate before torquing the nuts back down.

If the actuating cable is bent/kinked, you may have to remove it and attempt to straighten it so it doesn't 'catch' against the sheath. If it's bent too badly to straighten, you may be in for buying a replacement cable....

[Don Becker #41636]

Re: C3 reverse lockout troubles...

Hi Jack, thanks for replying to my post.

The arm is being actuated / moved the correct distance. The problem I have is that there appears to be an intermittent 'catch' of the arm where it doesn't turn freely. This causes the inner cable to bend at the transmission linkage and the arm doesn't move.

When I pulled the cable off of the car, I didn't see any marks on the inner cable where it could have snagged on the transmission side.

I'm probably going to buy another cable, but I'm really looking for a diagram or guide of somekind to check out the arm, which I suspect is the source of the problem. The cable moved freely outside of the car, but could the bend the cable is making cause it to bind a bit?

Thanks!

[Chuck R.]

Re: Maybe too much cable casing flex

If the cable housing is not anchored well enough Don, the cable will put it's energy into flexing the casing instead of the lockout lever.

Not being familiar with this cable setup,is there any way to better anchor the cable casing to see if this will help?

Maybe I'm over simplifying.

Chuck

[Don Becker #41636]

Re: Maybe too much cable casing flex

Hey, never hurts to try Chuck!

The cable is bending on the inner section, not both.

If some of the force was going towards bending the outer casing, then that would mean less than normal force on the inner cable, and I don't think that would cause the bend.

That's what leads me to believe that either the angle of the cable is causing it to not slide (which I doubt) or that the arm is somehow binding up at times and is not wanting to move.

I'm going to go ahead and order another cable as I feel that the bend that is in it now has weakened it and will continue to bend.

I still can't find a mention of the arm / steering column portion in the overhaul manual which doesn't make much sense to me. If anyone's spotted it in the manual or any other text, let me know, I'm looking to buy!

Thanks again guys!

[Harmon C.]

Re: Maybe too much cable casing flex

Don Are the mickey mouse clips on both ends of the cable? Is the arm on the steering column all the way to the stop before the cable bends? If this is the case it is out of adjustment and on a four speed I think the mouting bracket on the firewall/column is the only place for adjustment as covered in the manual. Lyle

[Harmon C.]

You must have an Auto trans.

Don Their may be some adjustment at the trans also. Lyle

[Don Becker #41636]

No auto here Lyle!

...I definately have a stick.

At the laundrymat for an hour and a half last night, found the info about this.

For all you kids at home following along in your 1974 Overhaul manual, it starts in the steering section (section 9). The anti-theft mechanism is linked to a sleave of some kind in the steering column.

There are adjustment procedures in the manual transmission section (I was just looking at the pictures before, go figure).

I think I'll be able to get it from here. BTW, $50+ for a new cable. Yikes.

[Harmon C.]

4 Speed lock out cable

Don With the four speed your shift linkage must be in adjustment first as the lock out cable and your shift into reverse must work hand in hand for the key to be removed. I only know about the muncie and all it has is a bracket on the transmission with no adjustment. The bracket on the column is adjustable by loosening the two bolts and moving the bracket till the key will come out. Lyle

[Paul O.]

Re: 4 Speed lock out cable

Don on the trans there should be a bracket that the cable housing goes through I have found that if this is missing the cable will flex and cause the lock out to malfunction. This little item is on the side cover the most forward top side cover bolt it has some what of J look to it the cable just slips into it. This prevents the cable and housing from moving up while moving the shifter into reverse. Paul 18046

[Don Becker #41636]

Re: 4 Speed lock out cable

Sweet Paul, thanks a million.

I see it in the overhaul manual, but I don't know if it's on the car, I'll have to try to find the time to jack it up and take a look.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to reply.

-Don