Shift Lever/Sequential Sportshift Mode Mechanism
The shift lever has nine positions: [P ], [R ], [N ], [D 5 ], [D 4 ], [D 3 ], [2 ], [1 ] positions, and the sequential sportshift mode position. The shift lever shifts between positions along the gate in the A/T gear position indicator panel. The shift lever can shift out of the [P ] position and into the [R ] position without pressing the shift lever. The shift lock/reverse lock mechanism is an additional shift lever lockout mechanism.
The shift lever is engaged with the shift cable bracket in [P ], [R ], [N ], [D 5 ], [D 4 ], [D 3 ] [2 ], and [1 ]. This unit shifts the transmission using the shift cable connected between the shift cable bracket and the transmission control shaft.
In the sequential sportshift mode position, the shift lever is disengaged from the cable bracket, and the shift lever can be used to shift gears electronically between 1st through 5th, much like a manual transmission.
When the shift lever shifts to the sequential sportshift mode position, the lock lever is released, and it pops up to engage the shift cable bracket to the detent bracket; the shift cable bracket and the shifting positions in the transmission are held in the [D 5 ] position.
The lock lever receives its spring load, pops up in the sequential sportshift mode position, and is pressed by the shift lever and does not engage the shift cable bracket to the shift lever base bracket in any position except sequential sportshift mode.
The shift lever fits into the sequential sportshift mode position by using a detent plunger with a spring. When shifting up or down, the detent plunger is pressed by the detent bracket inner wall, and the detent plunger spring puts the shift lever back into the neutral position. The detent plunger also works in the [P ] position.