Afternoon,

I have a 1991 Firebird Formula (4 speed automatic) and it wont shift into first gear; the shifter stops at second. No grind sounds and the car starts up just fine. I was told it could be the transmission, but I was also told it's not. I am hoping someone would be able to give suggestions or things for me to check. I'd like to avoid a new transmission if possible, for obvious reasons.

Thank you

 

Probably not the transmission, which I suppose is good news. Most likely it's a cable problem.

Get a stock, or stock replacement, cable for it. The aftermarket ones don't work well with the stock shifter.

Might also want to check the other cable, that works the steering column parts involved with the key lock; make sure that's not binding somehow.

 

Yep, what sofa said. I had this problem after working on my console. I didn't have the shifter **** fully down. Pulled the **** locking fork and reinstalled the **** making sure it was fully down on the shaft . Got it installed properly and it works swell now.

 

I bought a new shifter cable, but can't find anything that explains how to install it. The cable didn't come with instructions either, so I'm at a loss. Do you know of a website, video, or anything else that explains the installing process?