The typical A568/A523 shifter cable problem

[iTurbo]

Just got this Spirit R/T running again, and have already had to fix the shifter cable once. It's fine now, but I imagine the problem will probably come back.

I've had this problem on a few different A568 and A523 transaxles. What happens is on a hard shift to 2nd or 4th gear, the shifter feels like mush going into 2nd or 4th gear and I end up often missing shifts or I just can't get the car to go into 2nd or 4th gear at all or it grinds a bit. The problem is that the actual cable itself is coming out of the sheath at the shifter cable bracket on the trans and this prevents it from moving the shifter lever on the trans enough to engage 2nd or 4th gear. Thankfully 1st, 3rd, 5th, and reverse gears don't seem to be affected much (at all?) so I am not stranded. Sometimes I can just get the sheath to push back in where it belongs. It seems there is an O-ring that is slipping out from under the retaining clip. Other times I've had to remove the retaining clip, put it back together, and then pound the clip back in and just pray it doesn't happen again.

I imagine others have had this problem and I'm wondering how to fix it for good. I need this car to be absolutely reliable as possible or I'll never hear the end of it from the new owner.

[Vigo]

If you're selling a Spirit R/T to a guy who would never let you hear the end of it about a known problem common to all of them, you are asking for trouble.

[iTurbo]

Tell me about it. Pure dread.

[Lotashelbys]

Jeremy,you need to just get a different cable. I have had this happen and tried to save them and never had any luck. Get a good used cable and lube it up real good and install it. You should be good for many miles after that. I have found that if you dont lube the cables every so often this happens.

[iTurbo]

Thanks Jackson. Now that I think of it, every time I've managed to fix this problem for good in other cars it resulted in me finally swapping the cable out. I'm looking into getting some cables made from push-pull.com (Thanks Carroll!) Or possibly from Great Lakes Hot Rod if they are willing.

Also, I have never attempted to lube the cables. Can you explain how that is done correctly?

[Aries_Turbo]

Also, I have never attempted to lube the cables. Can you explain how that is done correctly?

cut the corner out of a zip loc baggie enough to get the baggie over the end of the cable sheath.

tape/zip tie baggie to the cable sheath.

hang cable up with the baggie at the top.

fill baggie with lube of choice.

remove baggie when lube drips from the other end.

thats how i do it with all sorts of cables.

Brian

[iTurbo]

Sounds good, thank Brian. I was thinking graphite spray, but I'm sure good 'ol WD-40 would work quite well here.

[supercrackerbox]

I would use white lithium personally. WD-40 isn't much of a lubricant.

[tazaroo]

Iturbo, I'm having this exact same problem with my rt as you described in your first post. Mine seems fine unless I shift in 2nd or 4th when the rpms are going to put that gear at or above 4.5k or so like when going 90 on the interstate in 5th and trying to shift back to 4th LOL. Strange thing is some days it seems to go in fine without the problem. I thought it was maybe just the bushings. I've heard the aftermarket cables are not strong from your typical places. Are you getting yours made custom from push-pull.com and if so how much is that going to run?

[johnl]

Motorcycle chain lube. Liquified until the solvent evaporates leaving a sticky grease residue. Seal up the top of the baggy so the solvent won't evaporate until after it has a chance to drain into the cable.

[rx2mazda]

Thanks Jackson. Now that I think of it, every time I've managed to fix this problem for good in other cars it resulted in me finally swapping the cable out. I'm looking into getting some cables made from push-pull.com (Thanks Carroll!) Or possibly from Great Lakes Hot Rod if they are willing.

Also, I have never attempted to lube the cables. Can you explain how that is done correctly?

This is the reason I got my cables made. Good used cables are getting harder and harder to come by and the cheap Chinese replacements are just that, cheap. I wanted something better than stock that would last a long time. Those that I know of that got cables from PUSHPULL have been very happy with the product and customer service.

[bfarroo]

+1 on the pushpull.com cables

[Lotashelbys]

The lube in the baggy (lol) trick sounds pretty good. What I usually do is use Tri-Flow lube and pull the boots back out of the way and hold the cabel up so its vertical and spray the lube while spinning the cable till it comes out the other side. This will last a long time and after doing it once I dont think I have ever had to do it again. Just make sure you use a factory Mopar cable. le

[Aries_Turbo]

My uncle taught me the baggy trick for motorcycle cables. I've used Mobil 1 motor oil to lube cables before. Works pretty well. Also various motorcycle cable lubes.

[Ondonti]

I guess my shift cable is failing
Think I have one in a shed at my parents...but 10 years later who knows what the fitment is. Want push pull.