F35 Trans (LNF) Frozen Shifter Cables
#1
F35 Trans (LNF) Frozen Shifter Cables
Is there anyone that has had their F35 trans (LNF) shifter frozen during the winter months? If I leave the car in 1st overnight I’m screwed for 10 minutes holding the clutch in waiting for the cables to de-ice.
Mine is worse than ever this year and was wondering if someone had a picture or advice as to where to lube the shifter cables. I’m hoping spraying a little lithium grease or something will keep enough moisture out so I can drive the car in cold weather.
Mine is worse than ever this year and was wondering if someone had a picture or advice as to where to lube the shifter cables. I’m hoping spraying a little lithium grease or something will keep enough moisture out so I can drive the car in cold weather.
#5
We need more info to help. Does the car shift fine the rest of the day? Have you tried to leaving it out of gear over night and then trying to move the shifter in the morning?
#15
Senior Member
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I never had my cobalt shifter freeze up until this year.
It does it anywhere under about 25 degrees F.
i leave it in gear because when it freezes it will work in 1st and 2nd but won't slide into 3rd until warm, so I can at least drive to work. Once warm it's perfect. Not sure what's actually freezing. if it's moisture I need to find out. Put a moisture packet in there to keep it from happening.
It does it anywhere under about 25 degrees F.
i leave it in gear because when it freezes it will work in 1st and 2nd but won't slide into 3rd until warm, so I can at least drive to work. Once warm it's perfect. Not sure what's actually freezing. if it's moisture I need to find out. Put a moisture packet in there to keep it from happening.
#18
Senior Member
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This is a common problem. Ive had it happen every year, I just make sure to keep the car in neutral during the cold nights. It seems to happen at 29*F or lower. I always thought that it was because the plastic sheath around the metal cable contracts more rapidly than the metal cable causing it to hold like a chinese finger trap.
I never got it solved but I do have a garage now. The way I dealt with it should it still be in first gear is I would open up the cup holder while the cars running and throw my hand in there to help heat of the area quicker. body heat.
Oh and if your try forcing the shifter into gears you WILL break the clips. While its warming up gently apply pressure slowly dont do quick movements.
I never got it solved but I do have a garage now. The way I dealt with it should it still be in first gear is I would open up the cup holder while the cars running and throw my hand in there to help heat of the area quicker. body heat.
Oh and if your try forcing the shifter into gears you WILL break the clips. While its warming up gently apply pressure slowly dont do quick movements.
#19
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I wonder if spraying the shifter linkage both under the cup holder and ontop of the tranny with some white lithium grease or some rust check or something would help it to not freeze.
#20
Just had my cables change for the second time for same problem. The first time my cables got gunked up, stretched and finally became useless. This time they would freeze over night more and more until they finally snapped. There is definitely a design flaw allowing water/moister getting in. My problem is obviously more extreme then you guy's, but so is the weather up here. If others have had cable related problems please chime in. Mine were covered under the Powertrain Warranty as they are part of the transmission. I would love to get this problem resolved, as I will eventually run out of Powertrain Warranty. I'm thinking contacting GM and would love to have some back-up.
#21
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latman,
Sorry to hear about the cable concerns you're having! I see you're in Ottawa and if you wanted to contact Customer Service for your area, GM of Canada can be reached at 800-263-3777 (Hours: M-F 7:30am - 11:30pm, Sat 7:30am - 6:00 EST).
Regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Sorry to hear about the cable concerns you're having! I see you're in Ottawa and if you wanted to contact Customer Service for your area, GM of Canada can be reached at 800-263-3777 (Hours: M-F 7:30am - 11:30pm, Sat 7:30am - 6:00 EST).
Regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
#22
Member
I am having this exact same problem. My car has been at the dealer since last Thursday. Last night they did leave me a message after the service department had closed saying they couldn't find anything wrong. One of my cables under the center console now has about a 45 degree bend in it from me trying to get the car in neutral. The dealer also told me the cables are not covered under the powertrain warranty. So, as usual it looks like I'll be fixing the car myself.
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/driv...tartup-291228/
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/driv...tartup-291228/
#23
Member
Just had my cables change for the second time for same problem. If others have had cable related problems please chime in. Mine were covered under the Powertrain Warranty as they are part of the transmission. I would love to get this problem resolved, as I will eventually run out of Powertrain Warranty. I'm thinking contacting GM and would love to have some back-up.
#24
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Mine froze last winter...... word to the wise...... dont try to force it . I ended up bending the cable end just a tick.......took 6 months but it broke on a 3rd gear NLS this summer. It wasnt fun replacing.
#25
Senior Member
iTrader: (14)
OP like Mongo said sounds like there is water getting into the cables, not sure how you would check this, but if you have the time i would wait till it happens and look under the hood at the linkage, you should be able to point out where the sticking is occurring as there will be absolutely no play at that point.