Help - Shifter Makes Horrible Cracking Sound

[DocOverdrive]

Recently, my shifter began giving me problems.
Its become difficult to move the shift lever and it makes a horrible cracking sound when I do.

First thing I thought was that maybe some change fell down into it.
So I removed the floor console to get a better look.

I didn't see any coins around that area and I can't really see how any could get inside the mechanism.

Since removing the console and checking it out it seems to move a little better and makes less noise, but its still not as smooth as it used to be.

Any ideas?

 

[DocOverdrive]

One key component I've found is the Shift Interlock Module. If I disconnect it I cannot move the shift lever.

I'm wondering if this module is faulty, could it cause the symptoms I'm experiencing?

 

[Flag Gibby]

Usually when that module fails you cannot get it out of gear at all. It sounds like it is the plastic slider on the gear selector that the shifter passes through. Maybe a sugary drink got spilled on it and that is why it is so hard to move now.

 

[Ornery]

Don't just disconnect it, remove it. That should allow you to shift whether your foot is on the brake or not. If it shifts OK with it removed, that would be the crunching culprit. If it's still cracking... guess you'll need to do more investigating.