If the shift indicator is not aligned so you can tell what gear your vehicle is in, it can create problems and make driving less safe for you and others. Find out why the shift indicator is not lining up with the gear your transmission is in and how to fix it yourself in a few simple steps.
Why Is the Shift Indicator Not Lining Up?
If the shift indicator is not lining up with the different gear selectors in the transmission, it needs to be readjusted. The indicator’s position is controlled by an adjustor that can misalign over time.
Is It Okay to Drive with a Shift Indicator Not Lining Up?
If the shift indicator is not fully lining up, your vehicle can be unsafe to drive with. While you might be aware of what gear the transmission is in and familiar with your own gauge cluster, it can be easy to forget that you have this problem and if someone else drives your car, they may not know about it. If, for example, you think the vehicle is in “Park” when it’s in “Reverse” because the indicator has misaligned over time, you might think your transmission is in one gear when it’s actually in another, and that increases your chances of getting in an accident and makes it less safe for others and you to be around your vehicle.
How to Fix a Shift Indicator Not Lining Up
Steps on how to fix a shift indicator not lining up
- Find the Adjustor Cable
Find the adjustor cable for the shift indicator, which may be a selector shaft on the transmission or a cable with an adjustor underneath the dash. In this example, we follow a cable that comes down underneath the dash to find its twist knob. The shift indicator is misaligned to the point where the indicator is almost off the gauge completely when the vehicle is in Park.
- Adjust the Shift Indicator
Turn the knob to adjust the shift indicator and confirm it’s readjusting. Readjust the indicator so it is clearly on the “P” icon for “Park.”
- Shift Through the Gears and Adjust the Indicator
This task may take a little bit of time. Just because the indicator is adjusted over the “P” does not mean it will be aligned for the rest of the indicators on the gauge. Shift into each gear and readjust the indicator so that it’s clear what gear the transmission is in when engaged.
If the adjustor is on the transmission, the selector shaft will spin when a gear is selected so the computer can tell what gear the car is in. You may need to help of an assistant to do this as they switch through the gears and you adjust.
How-to Videos: Learn How to Fix More Than a Shift Indicator Not Lining Up
Find out how to diagnose and repair more parts than a shift indicator not lining up. We have thousands of how-to videos to help you diagnose and replace parts on hundreds of models yourself with expert tips and instructions to guide you along the way.
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