Hi - This is Jackson and I recently bought a 70 Cutlass Supreme and now going through the pains of learning about the car. So far I have learned a lot by reading through some old threads but I could not find any discussion around the GEAR Indicator. My is broke so I can't tell when on D, N or R which esthetically drives me nuts. I removed the cluster panel but cannot remove the entire odometer gage as it seems to be tightly attached to what I assume is an electrical wire so my access is through the clock whole. I can move the gear indicator with my hand and there seems to be a small whole on the plastic which is probably for a latch? So the question is how do I get the gear indicator to work? Keep in mind I am a novice to the DIY car world. Thanks in advance.

 

Most likely the speedometer cable is stopping you from removing the gauge... Follow the speedometer cable from the firewall to the back of the speedometer and push in the locking tab as you pull on the cable or the gauge... The actual problem you have is that the indicator cable (small wire connected from the indicator to the shift collar on the column) is either broken or the clip simply came off the collar....

 

thank you. If the gear issue is with the indicator cable, do I have to remove the gage in order to replace or re-attach the cable? And is it an easy task? Thanks again,


In looking at advance auto parts is this the part you are referring to? Name is ATP Automatic Transmission Universal Detent cable.

 

There should be an adjustable piece that comes up from your steering column that goes into the hole on the plastic piece you mentioned. if that piece is there and just not hooked up, you should be able to hook it without taking the dash apart. If you have A/C (my car doesn't), you may have to remove a piece of ducting.


Randy C.

 

No, a detent cable goes from carb or pedal asm on floor to trans, to alert the trans when WOT has been induced. I doubt any parts store will have the PRNDSL operating cable, but hoarders do.

I assume you have a column shifted auto trans car with the PRNDSL in the bottom of the speedo pod.

The cable that runs the PRNDSL, which I assume is your issue, is a teeeeeensy cable like 1/32" diameter and oh 2-3" long, and it attaches to the moving outer portion of the steering column just below the speedo/ PRNDSL. Usually clips in place, might have a small screw. The other end goes up into the speedo, or just under it, actually, and attaches to the lower end of a plastic lever which is part of the orange gear indicator needle. That plastic may have broken off or slipped out of place.

If you are real lucky, the bottom easy to get to part slipped off.

If it's higher you may need to drop the column a bit to access the problem. This may require removing the column to firewall plate, about 8 screws. Plus the column to dash screws. It may be that the column was removed before and in so doing the cable broke the speedo plastic part.

 

Thank you both - that is correct Octania, my shift has a PRNDSL in bottom. I was able to remove the odometer and found a tiny cable/wire, not sure if this is what you are referring to but I am attaching pictures. I hope this is it but I don't see where I can hook it to in the steering column unless that by steering column you mean the little metal hole next to the plastic lever?. If attached to the metal hole is there a screw for it or simply latch it from plastic to metal? Thanks.


After typing this last message I saw that rcorrigan5 posted a picture of what the wire should look like. I definately do not have it, any ideas where to get one or is this something I can make it with some hard wire? And rcorrigan5 would you happen to have another picture showing where on the steering column it is hooked to? Thank you.

 

It has officially been too long since I dealt with one of those, I cannot recall.

The Chassis Service Manual should have that info.... surely you have at least one of those?

 

Here is what I have on the bottom at the steering column. It's a bit hard to see but what occupies most of the picture is the metal piece that is attached to the moving part (while shifting) of the column. The lower end if the wire that you see at the speedometer loops into the metal piece - somewhat visible in the pic. The metal tab can be adjusted on the moving part of the column to align you PRNDSL reading with the actual gear the car is in. Most of the time, it can be aligned to P while the car is in park and the other gears will be aligned as well. It's strictly a mechanical operation - no smoke, no mirrors, no electronics - which makes it nice.


Hope this helps. Mine is a '68 but I don't believe there was much of a difference between '68 and '72 in how the car shifter indicator worked.


Randy C.

 

thanks Randy - very helpful! I actually found it after removing the steering column cover plate. The issue now is where to get the part, OPGI does not have it which is not a good sign, is this something I can make it? Dumb but could I use a coat hanger or does it have to be special wire? Thanks again.


Octania, I do not have a service manual, where would you recommend me getting one from?

 

I'm thinking you could fabricate something out of a piece of thin wire that holds its shape. I believe coat hanger wire would be too thick, though.


Original and reproduction chassis service manuals and body service manuals are available on ebay.


Randy C.

 

I've used a paper clip for this type of thing before.

 

I have the clips & correct wires. Pm me your complete name & address & I'll send one along no charge.
Scott

 

Hoarders to the rescue!

 

Thank you so much Scott, I have sent you the address via private message. Also thank you all for all your help on this subject, once I get the part I will post an update. Thanks again!

 

Scott and I mentioned on my PM to you, the part arrived and I installed and it works great. Thanks again!!


I will be posting some questions about the clock and dash lights and I hope to find as much help as I did on this thread. Thank you all.

 

You are welcome and I'm sure with all the knowledgeable people on here there aren't many problems on your car that we can't fix.

 

If you ask for help on his site,you will be flooded with knowledgeable info.
It' by far the best site going for learning how to solve problems with your Oldsmobile.
Best of luck, Larry

 

Got the same bug: shift indicator cable seems to be broken/not connected.

Small resume of my story:
-bought my first classic last weekend June 18 2021: olds cutlass supreme 72, v8 350
-dont know if ohv or not
-don’t know where to start, which books to buy
-in love with my car (and my wife also!!! Damm the sofa again)
-looking forward to make my car young again!

So now: i want to correct this shift indicator cable. Should i buy one before i remove the dash? Should i check if cable is broken first or just disconnected?

 

Ha! Just browsing, and came across this.
My indicator doesn't work either, but I haven't looked into it yet.
Too many more pressing issues.
Now I know what to look for!

 

Happy to help! Took me an hour of web browsing to get the input! 😉😆