Is there anything that I can externally check that may be obvious? After some research, it appears it can be the "pawl" which would require dropping the pan I believe. I have an automatic transmission. I am assuming it would be a TH400.

For clarification, I have an automatic transmission with a column shifter.

Another thing, I don't know if it is related but the colum shifter needel on the steering wheel does not align perfectly with the letters and numbers. For example when putting in reverse, it does not align perfectly with R. It seemed like it worsened over the years but could just be me

 

You are coming to a complete stop before shifting into "Park" ?

 

Yes. I have some good news. I went underneathe the car to see if I can manually turn the shift selector clockwise while in Park. Before I did it I can push and move the car. I went underneathe and I can rotate the shift select just a smidge and heard a "click noise". After that I cannot push the car. Perhaps I just need to tighten the slack on the shift connector cable?

 

I don't have a console. The manual is a little confusing. Appears like I put the car in "Drive", then loosen bolt, then pull down on shift rod, and then retighten? I just need to tighten the slack just a smidge.

 

Your shift linkage needs to be adjusted. These to wear at the rod-to-lever eyelet locations. In some applications there is a rubber bushing at the steering column lever that can deteriorate and fall apart. Replacements are readily available. Read the Chassis Service Manual for the proper linkage adjustment procedure. Note that this also controls your Neutral Safety Switch.

 

Thank you Joe. I did a lot of searching and not a lot of information on manual linkage adjustments on a TH400 with a column shifter. One thing I noticed awhile back is when I put the car in reverse "R" the steering column needle does not align with "R", instead is is much left of the R. I went underneathe the car last night I believe this screw to loosen is right near the drivers door panel. Interesting that if you have a console shifter you should make this adjustment in Park position, but if have column shifter the manual recommend to do it in Drive.

For me, seems simple, put column shift in Drive on "D", loosen screw, pull down on shift rod until snug, and then re-tighten.

 

Section 7 of the CSM. Shifter in PARK, loosen adjusting bolt, push linkage up from under the car, tighten bolt. Then check alignment of the NSS.

 

Of course, verify that the rubber bushing in the steering column lever is in good shape first.

 

Thank you Joe. For clarification, I don't have a console shifter on the floor. My trans shifter is on the steering wheel column like driving a Delta 88. My picture above from Section 7 is for trans without console and says to put car in Drive first. I know, I was surprised too. For a colum shifter, it says loosen bolt and pull rod down at least that is the way I interpret it,, right? I don't see too many 442's with a column shifter so I take it that is why not a lot of info on it other than this little diagram in the manual

I take it to check the steering wheel bushing I just need to remove the casing first. Thank you Joe!

 

I see the manual does not show a bushing in the steering wheel lever. It just says use washers. Thank you for pointing out I woud have never known there was a bushing there.

 

Correction Joe, I previously posted the trans diagram for the large body (column shifter). Attached is for 442 series. I didn't pay attention to the series. In this diagram they do show a bushing. It says to adjust this in Drive as well. This diagram for the 442 is a little clearer than for the large body. Thanks Joe.

 

Available from all the usual sources

 

Thanks Joe. I take it the way to get to this is to remove the steering wheel, steering wheel cover, etc. I could not find anything in the manual regarding replacing this bushing. Thanks for letting me know . Would not have thought of that.

 

FYI, Park locks in fine. Reverse and Nuetral there is play. Drive is a lot of play. 2 and 1 lock in better. Each gear should lock in fine. This done seem like it could be a bushing problem

 

I see its in the engine bay. It was hard and brittle and fell apart when I removed so I will ge a new rubber bushing.

I new bushing will hopefully resolve my problem, but I do notice a good amount play between the gears on the shifter column - don't know if that is normal. But first thing is I need a new bushing as now it is apart.

 

The new Dorman bushing I bought from Advanced just crumbled too when fitting it through the hole. bummer