Trans Issue

[Randy L]

I recently bought a 2005 XLR from AutoNation in Arizona. It had just over 10k miles on it.
I had put about 500 miles on it in the following 2.5 weeks.
But backing into a parking space (not on the street) the car would not shift out of reverse.
Had it flat bedded to the local Cadillac dealer and they are telling me it has a broken cable that runs to the transmission.
They have had the car close to a month now, and are still looking for a way to fix it.
Anyone have a similar experience? What was the solution?

 

[luxuryrules]

What is the obstacle that they are trying to figure out? Shift control linkage replacement is a well documented job in their labor guide, it’s a bit involved but that’s not surprising.

 

[justdennis]

Does the shifter move or is it stuck in the reverse position. What did the dealer say, they don't know how to fix it or they can't find a new cable. Are they sure it's the cable and not the bushings.

 

[luxuryrules]

Ah…. 12569499 discontinued, I’m guessing that’s the part you need?

 

[RubyRod]

It might be a broken/worn out cable OR it could be the plastic retainer that fits on the Transmission end of the cable. This is a VERY common problem on these cars. See this link...

Shop Cadillac XLR Shift Cable Bushing Replacement Kit Online

Shop Cadillac XLR Shift Cable Bushing Replacement Kit online at just $24.99 from Bushingfix.com. It is an online store, offers transmission shift cable bushing, shift linkage cable, shift control cable, Ford shift cable, automatic transmission shift cable for Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet...

www.bushingfix.com

You can pick these up for $25 and install them yourself. I just replaced mine.

It might also be a bushing at the Gear Shift end of the Transmission Cable. These are more difficult to source parts for. I don't have a part number for it. Most likely you'll only find used parts to replace it. You have to search for one at an auto recycler specializing in XLRs. Try J&J auto wrecking. There are a few other recyclers but I can't think of any at the moment.

Or it could actually be the cable and you'll need to replace the entire cable. Again you'll need an auto recycler specializing in XLRs.

 

[mickeytee]

Its just a bushing in the cable. Eady fix. Any transmission shop can do it. Anybody can replace the bushing. The dealer is trying to make a 100$ repair into a 1000$ to buy a used cable and then replace.

 

[Randy L]

Does the shifter move or is it stuck in the reverse position. What did the dealer say, they don't know how to fix it or they can't find a new cable. Are they sure it's the cable and not the bushings.

Shifter moves.

 

[Randy L]

Dealer says it is a bushing. He has 2 showing up on Monday. If those aren't what will work he will try Bushingfix.com (or maybe that is where he is getting them but doesn't want me to know the price).
I appreciate all the responses. I look forward to a becoming a long term owner.
Again, I thank all of you for your help/advise/suggestions.

 

[mickeytee]

You can buy the bushings at any auto parts store. They fit a jeep . you dont want them trying to replace the one at the shifter. The one at the transmission is the one that goes bad. If they try to replace the front one, they will most likely break the cable . the rear one takes about ten minutes

 

[Randy L]

It's locating parts. But I'm pretty sure we have found the solution.
Thank you.