Odd shifting when cold
 

I've put over 20k miles on my '86 XJ6 without a problem with anything. It's at 105,600 now, just last week it developed a little issue when I shift into drive. It's like I have to go to 2 then to D until the transmission is thoroughly warmed up. When it's warm after a few miles it goes right into D when I shift. When checked hot the fluid's at the proper level and not burnt at all.
Could this be a cable or linkage issue?

Thanks.
-Kyle

Hi Kyle, welcome aboard.

I'm not quite sure if I understand the problem. Is this a matter of how the gearshift lever operates or are you referring to how the transmission actually shifts gears as you are driving?

If the former the selector cable might be stretched/loose. I can't remember the exact details but I recall there being an adjustment at one end or the other.

Also, on the underside of the car there a cable bracket.....welded to the underbody as I recall. The bracket might be broken, resulting in a gear selection problem.

Another possible problem is a binding cable due to poor engine grounding. If the engine ground strap is loose/dirty then the electrical system looks for another ground path---and the trans shift cable is the closest victim. Unfortunately, it doesn't tolerate being a ground cable very well!


Cheers
DD

Hey Doug, thanks for the reply.

It's a gearshift lever issue. The transmission itself is fine (I think). When I first put in in D it seems to hang in N so I have to go down to 2 then to D. After the transmission is fully warmed up this issue goes away and everything is smooth.

Have a competent work shop pressure-test the gearbox to see if there is a problem with the valve body having a sticking valve.

NBCat