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Topic: The T-shifter won't shift (Read 678 times) previous topic - next topic

The T-shifter won't shift

On our '89 GV just now, returning from filling up the diesel fuel I couldn't get the shift lever to go into reverse. Had no problem at the fuel pumps. Just now. Pulled up hard on the lockout under the handle but nothing. Couldn't even get into Drive. Wiggle and percussion persuasion and cussing and was able to back the coach into our driveway, and then after a bit drive it forward up on to my ramps.

What's going on? Anybody got any ideas? Will have to wait until temps warm up outside a bit before doing any digging around to solve the problem. One other thing: Sometimes the parking brake light and the oil light would glow. I would turn them off by putting the shift lever in drive.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: The T-shifter won't shift

Reply #1 –
I am not sure if these are an "air shifter" or not.  Maybe someone else can help with this.  If it is an "air shifter" for your Allison: moisture in the air supply can freeze the  shifter in gear. Carefully, follow all safety guidelines on this forum, you may have to get under RV and manually shift the gear selector on the side of the trans to move the frozen control.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: The T-shifter won't shift

Reply #2 –
On my '87 there was a small adjustment where the cable goes in to the transmission that I made when having the same problems.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: The T-shifter won't shift

Reply #3 –
My 88 is 100% cable. Might need the shifter lubed a tad.

Re: The T-shifter won't shift

Reply #4 –
Temp outside is 50+ and we drove about three miles each way to fill up and return home. Shift worked fine at the fuel station and I had idled the coach about 10 minutes after the block heater was on for three hours.
Seems mechanical, no air involved that I could see. Altho my little air compressor for the Hadleys runs quite a lot and often.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: The T-shifter won't shift

Reply #5 –
Might check the cable end down by the transmission and see if it needs some lube or rust buster like blaster.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: The T-shifter won't shift

Reply #6 –
Lift up the lid exposing the shifter and cycle the lever through the gears.  Use WD-40 to something similar to free up anything sticking.
1988  40' Grand Villa Cat 3208t