Transmission Position Marker on Speedometer

[thetruthc32]

hi, guys, I dont know what the hell its called but I removed the gauge panel and somehow the orange needle that tells me the gear isnt moving, i dont know what i did but I i cant find where i am supposed to connect the clip at the end of the "string" thank you to anyone who can help me with this

 

[folkenheath]

One end of the string hooks around the plastic needle where it slides, the other end should have a metal tab on it that gets screwed to a slot on the column. As the column turns to shift it pulls on the string.

 

[thetruthc32]

One end of the string hooks around the plastic needle where it slides, the other end should have a metal tab on it that gets screwed to a slot on the column. As the column turns to shift it pulls on the string.

i got the first part , i just dont see where the metal tab gets screwed

 

[British Slave]

There should be a small metal clip on the collar the shift handle is on. It is at the 12 O'clock position on the collar. The "string" just slips into this clip. It's possible the clip was knocked off.

 

[folkenheath]

i got the first part , i just dont see where the metal tab gets screwed

The metal tab should have a dual layer thing, it screws too itself, through a slot on the column tube. Look for a slot on the column under the indicator toward the right side. The tab slips over that, and slides to adjust. The screw enters through the tab, through the column, and threads back into the tab.

 

[Irish1941]

Hmmm...mine doesn't have a screw. No matter.
The clip just slips and "locks" on the column. It is U-shaped clip with teeth so it stays stuck. Most times.
Put it in park. Pull the wire thru the guide on the gauge housing on the lower right hand side.
Take the wire/clip and pull it over until the needle is about to move. Push the clip on to the column shifter collar at the bottom. Done.
Run thru the gears to make sure it moves. And a little lube on the slide is a good idea seeing you got the dash open.

 

[dhcomp]

Don't think the newer ones have screws on the clip to the column. Just clip it on in the correct position to center the needle in P (ark).

My 91 has no screw, just the clip

 

[ktmoutfront]

There is supposed to be a needle indicator there? I just thought it was for info on the trans.

Hasn't worked in 7 years. Just pull the shifter all the away down. When the valves start floating, shift up one click.

 

[cdoggwsu]

Hmm my 84 doesn't look like it has a screw either.

I wish there was; if I try to shift to 2 or 1 the needle binds up and pulls the clip out of alignment. I've always thought that was a poorly designed and implemented mechanism.

 

[dhcomp]

If you clean and lube and properly adjust the slide needle, it works fine.

 

[cdoggwsu]

Hmm my 84 doesn't look like it has a screw either.

I wish there was; if I try to shift to 2 or 1 the needle binds up and pulls the clip out of alignment. I've always thought that was a poorly designed and implemented mechanism.

Oh for fock's sake. Let me add flimsy to that list.

I was just cleaning up my cluster...went to put the indicator back in it's track, it barely caught the edge of the frame and that was enough to snap the needle in two. The only one I found online so far he's asking $30 freaking bucks for!

I see a "custom" orange spray painted toothpick repair in my future...

 

[p0ps45]

I have a spare one. Send me your info and I'll give it to you.

Joe

 

[thetruthc32]

I must be an idiot , but i cant find anywhere on the steering collar to put it. Does the string hang over the right hand side of the column or left side? because when i clip it to the collar and go all the way around, eventually it pulls the orange needle off of the track.

 

[cdoggwsu]

Right hand side. The cable should run straight to the right (parallel with the cluster) to the retainer, then turn 90* down to clip to the shift collar. There is nothing on the collar to reference off of, just line up the needle with the trans in park, then shift all the way to 1. Adjust the needle back a little if it goes too far. Everything should line up after that.

 

[British Slave]

I must be an idiot , but i cant find anywhere on the steering collar to put it. Does the string hang over the right hand side of the column or left side? because when i clip it to the collar and go all the way around, eventually it pulls the orange needle off of the track.

What do you mean by "and go all the way around"?

 

[dhcomp]

What do you mean by "and go all the way around"?

IIRC, its a looped string, not a single. If you've got a single, maybe you need to knot the end and make it a loop.... If its going more than 1/4-1/3 way around the column, something is wrong.

 

[Burbdood 74]

Oh for fock's sake. Let me add flimsy to that list.

I was just cleaning up my cluster...went to put the indicator back in it's track, it barely caught the edge of the frame and that was enough to snap the needle in two. The only one I found online so far he's asking $30 freaking bucks for!

I see a "custom" orange spray painted toothpick repair in my future...

If you or anybody you know builds model airplanes or cars, the fix is simple. Cut the rest of the pointer off flush with the main piece. Then take an L shaped piece of the parts tree, or "sprue" from a model kit, paint it orange and use clear model cement or even super glue to attach it back on. Should be a super strong fix.

 

[cdoggwsu]

That's a good idea. I've got a replacement on the way so hopefully I'll be able to get it back together without an issue.

I've had a problem with this shift indicator ever since I got the rig...in retrospect the needle may have been previously weakened. The track that needle slides on was tweaked just slightly so it would contacting the surface where the shift positions are written if you shifted to 2 or 1.