B. Install Load Limiting Push Rod

NOTE:
Only those vehicles with a properly functioning ignition/park interlock, as determined by the inspection in Section "A" require the load limiting push rod.

1. Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling during this service procedure.

2. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "RUN" position.

3. Place shift lever into the full rearward position.





4. Using an allen wrench, loosen the shift handle set screw (Figure 2).

5. Remove the shift handle from the shift lever.

6. Attempt to remove the plastic push rod from the shift lever by gently pulling upward on the push rod by hand:

> If the push rod can be removed, remove the push rod and continue with Step 12 of this procedure.

> If the push rod cannot be removed, continue with Step 7 of this procedure

7. Using a trim stick, remove the center console shift bezel and boot.

NOTE:
Some vehicles may require the removal of the radio bezel to gain access to the shift bezel and boot.





8. Locate the shift lever push rod retaining dimple (Figure 3). Most vehicles will have the dimple on the front side of the shift lever.

NOTE:
Some vehicles will have the dimple on the back side of the shift lever.

9. Drill out the dimple using a 1/4" (6.5 mm) diameter drill bit (Figure 3).

CAUTION:
Care must be taken not to drill through or into the plastic push rod.

NOTE:
Place a shop towel around the shift lever to catch any metal chips created while drilling out the shift lever dimple.





10. Clamp locking pliers onto the end of the push rod. (Figure 4).

11. Use the following procedure to cut a groove into the plastic push rod which will create a channel that will release the push rod from the shifter.

a. Insert the drill bit into the hole made in Step 9 until it lightly rests against the plastic push rod (Figure 4).

b. While operating the drill, gently pull up on the locking pliers (Figure 4) that were installed in Step 10.





12. If the push rod preload spring does not come out with the push rod, use the original push rod as a tool to remove the preload spring from shift lever.

CAUTION:
The original push rod preload spring must be removed from the shift handle before continuing with this procedure.

13. Discard the old push rod and preload spring.





14. For vehicles that had the dimple drilled out, use a small round file to remove any remaining metal burrs from the inside of the shift lever at the hole drilled in Step 9 (Figure 5).

CAUTION:
Failure to remove all metal burrs from inside the shift lever may make installation of the new push rod extremely difficult.

15. Orient the new load limiting push rod so that the forks are parallel with the center console (Figure 6). Insert the load limiting push rod, with the preload spring in position, into the shift lever. Be sure that the push rod is fully seated.

16. Install the shift bezel and boot.

17. If required, install the radio bezel.

18. Install the shift handle and tighten the set screw.

19. Check for proper shifter and ignition/park interlock operation.