Shift linkage/Auto Transmission cable broke

Asked by ai268 Sep 20, 2024 at 03:42 AM about the 2000 Toyota Camry LE V6

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2000 Camry Solara V6,  when I move the shift handler, it feels loosen
without traction and the gear does not change. The last gear position is
"PARK".   And I found that the transmission cable is broken, like the pic from  
mrobs617 post, as attached.

In order to tow the car to garage, I need to shift the gear from "Park" to
"Neutral".    Can I push/pull down/up the lever to change the gear?  I tried it,
but just can not move the level up/down.  It seems that it's stuck. I turned on
the engine and hit the brake when tried it.    

If I can push/pull down/up the lever to change the gear, since the last gear
position is "PARK", should I "push down" or "pull up" 2 clicks to "Neutral"?

    Any suggestions?  Thanks in advance.

Roger

4 Answers

40,465

Usually the tow truck can get under the front wheels with their " dollys " and you won't have to worry about it . I don't suppose you can grab the steering column and turn that to shift can you ?

Hi beatupchevy, thanks the response. My problem is that car is at underground parking with limited space. And worse, I did not reverse parking. No. I did not try turning the "steering column" after starting the engine. You mean the "steering wheel" , right? In normal situation, I recall I need to perform the following steps to shift the gear: 1. Start the engine. 2. Turn the steering wheel a little bit, not sure I do this? (What's the purpose of this? ) 3. Hit the brake 4. Push the button on the side of "shift handle" 5. Shift the gear 6. release the hand brake. ( Did not do this when I tried for safety). So what are the reasons, steps missing, I can NOT push/pull the lever? I suspect the joint/bolt at the other end of the lever is very rusty. Does the "transmission cable" have some kind of help from "oil pressure", like steering wheel? Does the rusty bolt prevent me from moving the lever? Is it possible? Thanks. Roger PS: I read the following message from one response of youTube video: "This saved my and my wife on our three hour drive across the skyline in Virginia. We pulled off at an overlook to enjoy the view. Jumped back in the car and shifted into drive. the shifter moved, but the car stayed in park. managed to get a signal, watched this video, popped the hood and shifted the car into drive using that lever. we would've been stuck on the mountain waiting for a tow truck."

" I don't suppose you can grab the steering column and turn that to shift can you ?" start the engine, and the steering wheel/column can turn the front tries without problem. Even the cable broke/disconnected, should the auto shift lever be moved by hand? Kroil is on the way to lubricate the lever bolt.

Your Answer:

Camry

Looking for a Used Camry in your area?

CarGurus has 44,971 nationwide Camry listings starting at $600.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2000 Toyota Camry

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Reelin68
    Reputation
    35,010
  • #2
    Tony Ciccotelli
    Reputation
    20,050
  • #3
    Tony Ciccotelli
    Reputation
    5,770
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Accord
1,510 Great Deals out of 30,062 listings starting at $800
Used Toyota Corolla
1,488 Great Deals out of 28,373 listings starting at $900
Used Honda Civic
1,345 Great Deals out of 22,543 listings starting at $2,420
Used Toyota RAV4
2,260 Great Deals out of 39,689 listings starting at $1,800
Used Toyota Avalon
147 Great Deals out of 1,846 listings starting at $2,499
Used Lexus IS
317 Great Deals out of 5,182 listings starting at $1,050
Used Lexus ES
481 Great Deals out of 6,029 listings starting at $1,487
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,165 Great Deals out of 59,971 listings starting at $3,411
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,431 Great Deals out of 23,232 listings starting at $2,499
Used Honda CR-V
2,371 Great Deals out of 42,375 listings starting at $1,750
Used Nissan Altima
1,385 Great Deals out of 26,124 listings starting at $510
Used Toyota Highlander
1,586 Great Deals out of 17,715 listings starting at $1,998
Used Ford F-150
6,513 Great Deals out of 156,452 listings starting at $1,500

Used Cars for Sale

2025 Toyota Camry For Sale
230 Great Deals out of 20,869 listings starting at $23,199
2024 Toyota Camry For Sale
205 Great Deals out of 2,784 listings starting at $19,100
2023 Toyota Camry For Sale
400 Great Deals out of 5,157 listings starting at $13,900
2022 Toyota Camry For Sale
209 Great Deals out of 2,890 listings starting at $11,985
2021 Toyota Camry For Sale
125 Great Deals out of 1,832 listings starting at $9,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.