shift indicator off

[SilverK96]

I recently purchased at 96 Z71 Extended Cab 4WD. The shift indicator is off. When it's in park the P is lit, but from there down it is off. In reverse nothing is lit and no back up lights. In drive N lights up, etc. I thought htis was going to be an easy linkage adjustment.......wrong!!!! It is cable activated with electric sensors on the tranny. Can this be adjusted?? I am new to the forum and a new Chevy truck owner. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[mrjohnwayne]

yes you can adjust it. I bet the prndl switch is off. there are 2 bolts that hold the switch to the tranny. Loosen the bolts. The collar that goes over the shift linkage will have an index mark. There is another index mark on the switch body. with the vehicle in neutral (if I remember right) you need to allign those two marks then re tighten the bolts.

[nnunez]

Mine only does it on D.

Usually, I have to shift it down to L and return it to D to get it lit.

[SilverK96]

Thanks I will check that first. Tranny shop told me to replace the neutral safety switch. Think I'll check the adjustment first. You'd think that if it was the switch it wouldn't start in one position or another. I appreciate it.

[mrjohnwayne]

You need to be careful if you replace that switch. It is not the neutral safety switch, it is the PRNDL switch. If you have no problems with it shifting I would not replace it, I would try to adjust it first. That is what tells the tranny what gear it is in.

[SilverK96]

So are there 2 switches on the side of the tranny? I was under there briefly the other day and remember seeing a switch on the side of the tranny at least I think it is one switch with 2 electrical connectors. It looked like 1 switch. I will get under there today and get a good look and go from there. The tranny shifts fine. I don't plan on replacing anything until I've tried adjusting it like you have described. Thanks for all your help!!

[mrjohnwayne]

no you are right there is only 1 switch on the tranny with 2 connections and about a jillion wires, but people make the mistake of calling it the neutral safety switch.

[SilverK96]

That's all it took was an adjustment. Works perfect!! Thanks for all the help. I've owned nothing, but Ford Explorers until now. Seems like these trucks are so much easier to work on. You open up the hood and you can actually put your hand in there to work. You don't have to be a contortionist. Thanks again!!

[97SierraStepSde]

now 4 more of a challenge...I have a 00. I dumped the trans..haha old ppl had it be4 me...who woulda thought a couple races and 1 good power break would break a weak *** stock 4L60? haha anyways.. Since we put the used 1 in.. (not my preference..it was cheap and I needed my truck back) Im pretty dam sure the shift lights off 2. Doesnt P and N light up when its in that gear? I swear it did be4 the trans swap. My dad and I messed with the slave cylinder and everything but it lights up every gear but P and N and Im pretty dead set on it used 2. Any positives out there?

[mrjohnwayne]

Good deal silver. Glad it was a simple fix!!


97sierra: 1 you have no slave cylinder. Not sure what you are talking about there. 2 yeah it could just be out of adjustment like silver's was cause the light should light up when in park and neutral.