Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle ATX shifter doesn't move smoothly

To start off, I want to make it clear that my issue is with the shifter itself, NOT the transmission.

So, simply put, the shifter in my '96 just doesn't move through from P to R, N, D and so on quite as smoothly as it does in my '98. I'm just guessing that something needs to be cleaned/lubricated. Does anyone know what needs to be done?

As an aside, perhaps this is related... I don't think this car had the "improper shifter position" (or something like that) recall performed. All it means is that the plastic part that shows which gear you're in slides back and forth. I think maybe the little orange "dash" that shows the actual gear may also be loose. Any ideas?

When these were new I ran into a few that someone had spilled a soft drink into as as it dried it left a sticky residue.

If that is what it is, you can partually disassemble things to clean it up. It helps to use some silicon spray after it is clean (it won't help while it is still dirty).

It is the shifter assembly its self (very common on the 95-96 ones I've had). I've found the best thing to do is remove the heat shield under the car. Disconnect the cable. Drill a very small hole in the housing for the shifter assembly(just the size of the lubricant hose)and squirt the hell out of it through the hole with some WD-40 or PB blaster. Go in the car and work the lever back and forth a few times then repeat the squirting. When it's nice a free clean around the hole really well with some brake cleaner or alcohol and put a dab of silicone over the hole(not in it) to close it up. Works like a charm!!