Topic: Auto Trannt?????
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Good morning all................
I have a 78SA L48 w/A.T.........................
With the engine off, key removed and the steering wheel locked
I can move the shift lever through all the gears?????? Is this a
normal thing with auto vettes or is there a problem lurking that
I need to be aware of???????????????
All comments and replies are welcome.............
mk's78 aka mike
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20219
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The cable that locks the trans shifter is unhooked, or has otherwise been rendered useless. There is a cable that goes from the shift linkage on the trans itself to the steering column. With the column locked, the shifter should not move from Park. Look under the hood, below the brake booster, and see if there is a cable attached to the linkage on the steering column where the column comes thru the firewall. Usually, if the cable is unhooked, you won't be able to turn the key switch to "Lock", but if the cable has been disconnected and the linkage tied up you will.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Joel, thanks for your reply. I just spent about a solid 1/2hr looking over the 78
in and around the tranny and firewall areas. I found one cable running from
the underside of the center floorpan to the driver side of the tranny which has
a 5 1/2in(approx) ribbed rubber boot at the tranny connection. There is another cable
with a knurled nut running from the rear of the tranny and snaking its way
toward the brake booster that connects to another shorter cable which seems to
pass through the firewall to the speedometer. Other than that there are no
other hanging or disconnected cables anywhere near the bottom of the brake booster
or near where the steering column passes through the firewall.
Do you have any other suggestions or places for me to look at????
BTW...The shift lever can be moved through the gears with the steering wheel locked.
mk's78 aka mike
Former Member
Send PM
Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
You being able to move the tranny shift lever is not normal!! You have a problem somewhere. In my 81, if the wheel is locked, you cannot move shift selector. It is a cable problem. Happy Hunting!!
Dan
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20219
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I'll see can I find a pic somewhere...your set-up may have been removed somewhere down the line...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Thanks for the replies guys....
Joel, I will be looking forward to any pics you can send me. I even went
through the 78 AIM and came up with nada.
Again, thanks Joel....................
Joel,
Where you able to locate any photos, diagrams etc regarding my 78SA auto tranny
issue being able to move the shifter with key out and steering
wheel locked.
thanx
mk's78 aka mike
On my 73, here is the cable attached to the trans. The bracket is mount to the trans using the 2 front coner bolts of the trans pan.
Here is the other end attached to the steering column looking down between the brake booster and the motor.
Brian - NCM Lifetime Member
73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System
Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans
Borgeson Steering box
Former Member
Send PM
Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Excellent Pictures Brian. Hope they help.
Dan
Redwingvette,
Thanx so much to you for your pics and the other folks that replied.
I just back into the house after going over your pics and my 78. There are
no brackets, hardware, clips or cables anywhere near the front lip of the
tranny nor anywhere on the lower portion of the steering wheel. There
is a bracket that attaches to the firewall in that area but no attaching
hardware at all, just a hole that looks like it may have at one time held
a bracket or cable etc.
My real question is why in the world would anyone remove that feature. Even
though the tranny may have been rebuilt or replaced by a PO I just don't
get it??????????????
Of course my next thought is whether or not to try and replace it...even
if the parts can be purchased????
Any thoughts from you or the other respondents are very much welcome.
mk's78 aka mike
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)