A quick wash and then 1st gear....and only 1st gear

[Pdwight]

I took my car in today to just spray the ragweed pollen and dust off and put it back in the garage, about 2 miles to the car wash(no not automated). Washed the car and rinsed it off and pulled out into the highway when I pulled from first into second it felt strange and no second....only first.

I pulled over and it was still in first .....then I limped home at 30 mph and 5.5K RPM

I popped off the boot and removed the ashtray compartment to see if a cable had popped off and it has not, both still attached to the shifter. I did not have time to jack the car up and remove the cover....but I seriously hope it is just a cable

The shifter feels like it is not attached to anything, very light and free moving....this ever happen to any of you guys ??

THanks in advance
Dwight

[JayG]

Damn Dwight, you need to get rid of that black cloud over your head
You don't deserve it

I would guess the cable popped off the tyranny
Hopefully the cable did not break.

[Pdwight]

I just hope the heck it is just a cable, I have had a run of bad luck....have to replace all the rear end bushings in my E36 (daily driver) in the next few weeks too....no more please I cant stand it

[Jamesp]

Co inki dinky. The loss of everything but 1st and the wash are unconnected. Hopefully as is your stick and transmission. Check the stick, cables and bushings at the transmission. Best of luck!

[Timco]

There's two brackets that hold the cables right behind the passenger rear wheel. Look to see both cables are secured. One popped off at trans or came out of bracket. I'll bet the cable popped off the ball on the shift lever.

[Pdwight]

I popped the boot off and the ashtray compartment and can see the connections there

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Pdwight

I popped the boot off and the ashtray compartment and can see the connections there

No, at the trans. The have ball / socket connections under the car.

[Pdwight]

I looked online and this seems to be a common problem. I was worried about the transmission....even used cables can be had for 50 bucks...first thing tomorrow after work...roll up the sleeves and get out the jack stands

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Pdwight

I looked online and this seems to be a common problem. I was worried about the transmission....even used cables can be had for 50 bucks...first thing tomorrow after work...roll up the sleeves and get out the jack stands

You can just jack up the passenger side and pull that one wheel to get in there.

Pretty sure you can just pick up the clip that holds the cable on.

[Pdwight]

Are the 5S and 6S cables the same ?

I just thought I should find out in case I have to purchase a used set

Thanks
Dwight

[Pdwight]

Pretty sure this is it....any fix except a new cable ?

Looks like you could drill a hole in it and put a pin through it ???

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Pdwight

Pretty sure this is it....any fix except a new cable ?

Looks like you could drill a hole in it and put a pin through it ???

As a temp fix, yes. That's your issue. Maybe JB weld as well. You'll be replacing that anyway.

And crush / crimp it with vise grips?

[Jamesp]

The cable is broken. Count your blessings and replace it with a new one.

[Pdwight]

I will have to go with a used one give my current budget...are the 6S and 5S the same....986 and 987 the same ??

Anyone know

[BoxsterLS376]

That sucks man... just did some quick looking for you. It appears that the shifter cables are different from 986 to 986S and are completely different from 987 so I would suggest finding some specific to your car.

Give me the details on your car year/model and i'll check with my suppliers and see if we can find you a deal somewhere. I'm certain someone is parting one out somewhere!!

[Pdwight]

Originally Posted by BoxsterLS376

That sucks man... just did some quick looking for you. It appears that the shifter cables are different from 986 to 986S and are completely different from 987 so I would suggest finding some specific to your car.

Give me the details on your car year/model and i'll check with my suppliers and see if we can find you a deal somewhere. I'm certain someone is parting one out somewhere!!

I really appreciate it, I have a 2001 S 6 speed of course

Many thanks
Dwight

[BoxsterLS376]

Tell ya what I would snatch these up - probably the one you found already - 01 Porsche Boxster s 986 Manual Transmission Shifter Cables Shift 98642404107 | eBay

I just bought an engine cover from these folks and got it just as described yesterday~
I don't think you'll find 'em any cheaper~

[particlewave]

Those are up for auction and still have 4 days left. Have you checked with Woody? There isn't a ton of pressure on that cable. I like the JB weld + vise grip crimp. That's what I would do if it were my car.
They are only crimped to begin with, so your fix may end up being better than original.

OR...

Better yet, an appropriately sized set screw shaft collar. Drill a hole through one side of the crimp connector for the set screw to pass through, install collar, tighten set screw down to clamp onto cable end.

[BoxsterLS376]

In looking back at your picture you could fix that cable I guess as it didn't break, just came apart... I would still recommend replacing them, but...

You could drill a hold in the cable end and tap a thread into it and use a screw to pinch the cable into place, like a "cable stay". Or you could crimp it with a small vise too...

The biggest question is how willing are you to get stuck somewhere if the problem happens again? Next time you may not have any gears?

$.02
J

[jaykay]

Hmmmm replace as you may have binding upstream that will come and bite you again.....although I would think the cable (nylon??? Or??) Would have gone first. Maybe it was a matter shear fatigue on the cable end vs straight tension on the cable section