Automatic Transmission Linkage

[caliguy78]

Is there a trick to hooking up the shift linkage on an automatic transmission? I can't seem to get it aligned correctly. It seems like I need to keep playing with it in order for it to go into drive correctly. When everything looks and feels correct, the car won't start because of the sensor. If I move the cable down a little, the car starts but the gears don't feel right.

[gearcruncher]

Take the key out of the ignition and place on the seat .The shifter should now be in park .Now verify the car will not move by manually trying to push the car to see if it holds in park .If it doesnt hold in park by manually pushing the car , disconnect linkage at transmission and move the shifter by hand until you verify the shifter on the transmission is in park . Now that the transmission is in park and the shifter inside the car is in park , adjust the cable so it aligns with the transmission lever . The car will only start in park and neutral . adjustents may need to be made to safety switch but try the above before adjusting the safety switch