Jeep Wrangler is a terrific off-road SUV, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who love to get off the beaten path. However, some owners have experienced a shift linkage problem with their Wrangler making it difficult to change gears. If this happens to you, what can you do to fix this?
Fixing a shift linkage problem is easier than most Wranglers might think. But you have to find out what the problem is before you can fix it. But since the bushing that connects the shift linkage to the shifter cable is typically the culprit, it’s an easy piece to replace.
How? Read on to find out.
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How to Fix Jeep Wrangler Shift Linkage Problem?
Jeep Wrangler is best known for its off-road capabilities, thanks partly to its long wheelbase, high ground clearance, and heavy-duty 4×4 components. The 4WD system on the Wrangler is known as a Command-Trac system, and it includes a shift linkage to allow the driver to select between 2H, 4H, and 4L.
A shift linkage is a heavy-duty machine that connects the transfer case to the transmission, and it allows you to select from the different gears available on your Wrangler. The shift linkage is generally strong and durable but can wear out over time or lose its effectiveness.
If you find that your Wrangler is no longer shifting gears properly or if it has difficulty engaging gears at all, then it is likely that the shift linkage is to blame.
If this is your issue, here are a few thing you need to fix a shift linkage problem with your Jeep Wrangler:
Find the Culprit
While the most obvious cause of the problem might be a worn-out bushing, it’s not the only culprit. Before you can fix the problem, you need to locate and identify what is causing it in the first place.
You might have an issue with the shift linkage adjustment adapter, which may get loose and need to be tightened or replaced. So, how will you know what is causing the problem?
Check the behavior of the shifter as you change it. Is it changing gears when it feels like it should? Does the shifter not return to a neutral position or stay in gear after you change gears? Or does the shift handle move freely without connecting to the transmission?
If you can change the gear, but it engages the wrong gear, or it is not engaging properly after the change, the problem is likely a loose shift linkage cable adjuster.
But if the gear lever moves freely and nothing happens, the fault may lie with the shift linkage housing.
Adjust the linkage adjuster
If you suspect that the problem is with the linkage adjuster, then you can easily adjust it yourself. This will tighten the fit and ensure it correctly connects to the shifter cable.
You will need to get under the car and locate the shift linkage adjuster where the shift linkage cable ends just before it connects to the transmission.
Once you find it, use a 9/16″wrench to gently tighten or loosen the screws until you get the right fit. Ensure you don’t over-tighten it, or you could damage and worsen the problem.
Replace the bushing
If you find that the adjuster is not to blame, then it’s likely that the problem lies with a worn-out or damaged shift linkage bushing. This small white plastic holds the shift linkage arm to the shifter cable in place and prevents it from moving or shifting on its own.
It’s one of the few parts in your Wrangler’s 4WD system that is not built to last, which means it will wear out over time and require replacement, mostly after about 100 miles. That is understandable since it’s constantly being pulled and pushed as you shift gears.
Replacing the bushing is relatively simple. However, you will need to remove the gear shift and the four-wheel selector knobs for the console to come out and give you access to the shifter bushing.
Remove the knobs
Use a flat screwdriver to pop the small plastic cap under the shifter knob, and you will see a small screw that you must take out. The four-wheel selector knob pops out easily, but you must pull it out with force.
Remove the Console
Once the two knobs are removed, you can move on and unscrew the console. Unscrew four Torx T27 screws holding the shift console, which should come out easily. Avoid touching the smaller t20 screws, as that will cause the console to fall apart, something unnecessary for this fix.
Replace the Bushing
With the console out, get one of the two new bushings and place it on the nipple where the shift linkage arm attaches to. Typically, it would pop right in, but it may sometimes be a little difficult, requiring you to use some force.
Replace the shift console and knobs
Place the console back into position and screw the four screws in place. Replace the shifter knob using the small screw from step one. Finally, replace the shift selector knob, and it should be done.
Check for the other bushing on the other side of the linkage
You may also need to check and assess the bushing on the other side of the shift linkage. The bushings are used in a couple of areas in a Jeep Wrangler, so replace them, too, as they might fail on you at any time.
Follow the shifter linkage cable to the other side and check for other worn-out bushings. Go under the car if you need to and find the other bushing. If it’s worn out or damaged, then replace it as well.
How Much Does Jeep Wrangler Shift Linkage Bushing Cost?
The shift linkage bushing is a relatively inexpensive part, typically costing about $12 a dozen from a Jeep dealership; depending on where you get it from and the seller’s policies, you may get it at a lower or more expensive price.
How Much Will It Cost to Repair Jeep Wrangler Shift Linkage Problems?
It depends on which approach you to take to solve the issue. If you decide to replace the bushing or adjuster yourself, it would not cost much and should only take up to two hours.
However, if you need to take your Wrangler in for a professional mechanic to assess and fix the issue, that would cost more, around $70 to $90 or more.
Conclusion
Jeep Wrangler is built with some of the best features and components, but some parts only last for a while, like the bushings. These plastic things are the main culprit of wrangler shifter linkage problems which you can easily replace by following the above steps.
