A Chevy Colorado that won’t go into park can become a safety hazard. The pickup truck might roll down the driveway, which can endanger passersby and nearby objects. So why won’t it change to this transmission setting? Also, what can you do to fix it? We researched for you and here’s what we found.
Some of the possible suspects of your Chevy Colorado failing to go into park include:
- a faulty transmission shift cable,
- a broken shifter cable clip,
- and a worn shift knob.
Troubleshoot your vehicle to find the source of this problem. Then, use the appropriate techniques based on your findings to fix the issue's origins.
It's best to learn as much as you can about these possible reasons for a Chevy Colorado refusing to go into park. So continue reading as we discuss these potential culprits in greater detail. We'll also tackle some ways to help solve the pickup truck's transmission problems based on specific sources.
Why Won’t My Chevy Colorado Go Into 'Park'?
Faulty Transmission Shift Cable
Also called the shifter cable, this component helps move a vehicle’s shifter lever into the preferred position. If this part breaks or becomes worn, it may not allow the shifter handler to apply the desired transmission correctly, particularly when you want to set your Chevy Colorado to park.
Broken Shifter Cable Clip
A transmission shifter cable clip helps the shift lever to lock into place upon placing it in the preferred setting. A broken clip won’t allow the lever to lock, preventing the Chevy Colorado from going into "park" or any other transmission setting.
Worn Shift Knob
Also called the gear lever, gear knob, and gear shift knob, it’s responsible for changing the vehicle’s transmission setting. For manual transmission vehicles, including some Chevy Colorado models, the gear knob helps set the allowable speed range.
On the other hand, the gear shifter for automatic transmission vehicles works differently. As the driver moves this gear selector, the component changes the way the vehicle performs based on the setting.
So, if the shift knob wears out, it might not allow the driver to set the vehicle to the preferred transmission setting, such as "park." Replacing the shift knob may help solve this problem.
How Do You Change A Shift Cable In A Chevy Colorado?
Warning: Don’t tinker with any other component other than the shifter cable assembly for this procedure, particularly if it’s the main culprit to the vehicle’s issue. Mishandling other parts and assemblies may result in further harm to the pickup truck.
What You’ll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- Replacement transmission shift cable
- Wheel chocks
- Flashlight
Step-by-Step Guide
- Turn off the engine on the Chevy Colorado.
- Place wheel chocks on the truck’s wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
- Locate the shifter cable connector underneath the pickup truck. Then, follow the cable until you reach its fastener.
- Remove the clip fastening the cable with a small flathead screwdriver.
- Pull out the old shift cable from the chassis carefully.
- Install and secure the new shifter cable to its terminal by using the fastener you removed from an earlier step.
- Turn on the Colorado’s engine and check if you can now change its transmission setting.
You can also watch the video below to gain additional insights into this procedure. Take note that this clip shows how to replace a shifter cable in a Chevy Avalanche. Despite the different Chevy truck models, the replacement procedure should still be similar for a Chevy Colorado.
How Do You Replace Shifter Cable Clip For Chevy Colorado?
Replacing a shifter cable clip is a reasonably straightforward process. If done correctly, you can complete this task in a few minutes. But ensure that you have the correct cable clip for your specific Colorado model. That way, the clip will have a snug fit, preventing the shifter cable from becoming loose.
After purchasing the correct shifter cable clip for your Chevy Colorado, continue this procedure by following these steps:
What You’ll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- Replacement shifter cable clip
Step-by-Step Guide
- Turn off the Colorado’s engine and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Locate the shifter cable assembly and its clip on your Chevy Colorado.
- Wedge the flathead screwdriver into the old shifter cable clip and push to remove it.
- Take out the old cable clip and replace it with the new unit. Ensure that the new clip has a snug fit.
- Turn on the Colorado’s engine and check if you can now set it to park or any other transmission setting.
Watch the video below for a visual guide of the steps mentioned above. Although this clip shows you how to remove a shifter cable clip for another vehicle, the process should still be similar for your Chevy Colorado.
How Do You Replace Gear Shift Knob In Chevy Colorado?
Removing a gear shift knob from a vehicle, particularly a Chevy Colorado, might not require professional services from skilled automotive technicians. However, you may need help from someone stronger than you for certain steps.
Also, be careful when handling the parts of the gear shift assembly. Mishandling it may result in additional harm to your vehicle, which may also lead to extra repair costs.
What You’ll Need
- Panel remover set
- Replacement gear shift knob
Step-by-Step Guide
- Turn off your Chevy Colorado’s engine and chock the wheels.
- Use the panel remover to remove the gear shift cover.
- Remove the rubber cover surrounding the knob or lever but don’t pull it out yet.
- Disconnect the newly exposed wires from their connectors.
- Pull the shift knob assembly from its mount. You may need someone with sufficient strength to pull it out if you’re having trouble with this step.
- Transfer the old shift lever’s bottom rubber cover to the new unit.
- Install the new gear shift knob to the lever assembly in your Colorado’s cabin.
- Connect the wires to the new shift knob.
- Test the new gear shifter by turning on the Chevy Colorado and changing its transmission.
- If it works, continue by securing the new gear shift assembly’s rubber cover.
- Reinstall the shift lever assembly.
Check out this panel removing kit on Amazon.
Watch this video if you need a visual representation of this procedure:
You may also replace your Chevy Colorado’s gear shift panel cover during this procedure. But make sure that the enclosure fits your vehicle’s cabin’s design.
Check out this Chevy Colorado gear shift panel cover on Amazon.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Chevy Transmission?
Replacing a Chevy vehicle’s transmission may cost around $1,000 to $5,000. Take note that the costs may depend on different factors, particularly when looking at the job’s difficulty. Still, you may reduce expenses by purchasing some parts and completing certain tasks using DIY techniques.
Final Words
Remember, a Chevy Colorado that doesn’t go into "park" will typically have transmission problems. Avoid driving the pickup truck until you resolve the main issue. Also, use the correct solution based on your troubleshooting efforts to prevent further harm to the vehicle.
If you want to know the answers to other Chevy Colorado concerns, check out these other great posts:
