Can't shift to any gear (auto)

[SaltLife]

Hey folks. I picked up a used 2000 Ram 1500 a couple months ago. Yesterday, the shift lever wouldn't change gears. I could physically move the shift lever from Park to any position, but it felt like there was no mechanical connection between the lever and the transmission. It just slipped right on by each position without any of the usual "clicks." I couldn't put it in any gear.

Anyone seen this before?

Thanks!

 

[Micciche]

Yea when I had this happen my linkage wasn't connected, I would start in the engine bay at the end of the column make sure the rod is connected there, and follow it all the way back. I'll try and look for a diagram. Also if you download the service manual it should give you other "look at this" situations to help diagnosis it.

 

[SaltLife]

Yeah, a schematic would be great, Micciche. Thanks!

I found the service manual on Ram's website, but it was $88 to download!

 

[Merc225hp]

You don't have to buy them you can download it here for free.

http://www.ramforum.com/f77/2nd_gen_service_manual-986/

 

[SaltLife]

oh nice! Thanks Merc.

I traced the linkage and found the damage. There is a plastic retainer that secures the final piece of linkage to the transmission. It was cracked and allowed the linkage to fall out of place, hence the lack of feedback from the shifter. I went to Home Depot and spent $2 on some washers and re-attached the linkage myself! See attached pix.