Automatic shifter movement right/left, normal?

[Xavierviana]

I have a Mustang GT premium. I just notice today that I can jiggle my automatic shifter from right/left, maybe 5mm movement both sides. The shifter is not that firm/stiff, Is that normal?

It does it in P-R-N-D with engine off or on.


Appreciate any comment.. thanks

Xavier V

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[jenksdrummer]

Body mounted; so it'll flex and deflect a bit.

 

[Xavierviana]

Body mounted; so it'll flex and deflect a bit.

So when I grab the shifter and shake /move it from right to left with the ability to shake/move it is normal?

 

[BlueThunder]

There's always going to be some play, but it shouldn't be loose, per se. Like it shouldn't flop from side to side, but given the size of the OEM auto shifter, it's going to have some play in it. How long have you had the car? Did you buy it new or used? Did you ever hit it hard with anything?

Have you changed the shifter at all? Like an aftermarket knob or anything? You might need to tighten the 2 screws that hold the assembly to the mechanism. Try grabbing the shifter from the shaft portion and see if it moves up and down at all (yes, try jerking it off) and if there is movement there, then you need to pop up the boot and tighten the 2 screws on the front of it.

 

[Xavierviana]

There's always going to be some play, but it shouldn't be loose, per se. Like it shouldn't flop from side to side, but given the size of the OEM auto shifter, it's going to have some play in it. How long have you had the car? Did you buy it new or used? Did you ever hit it hard with anything?

Have you changed the shifter at all? Like an aftermarket knob or anything? You might need to tighten the 2 screws that hold the assembly to the mechanism. Try grabbing the shifter from the shaft portion and see if it moves up and down at all (yes, try jerking it off) and if there is movement there, then you need to pop up the boot and tighten the 2 screws on the front of it.

Thanks for your help. The car is stock, no changes to the shifter.

Yesterday I noticed it for the for the first time, I thought maybe its normal, but I never really paid attention to the shifter, so Its difficult to remember or noticed the difference.

I will post a video for a better judgement. Maybe you or other members can compare it with there own automatic shifter.


Thanks again..

 

[Xavierviana]

I have try moving it up and down and there isn’t any movement. Only left and right, and ofcourse front and back.

Here is the video.. I hopefully its normal..

 

[Houston Kid]

Mine has very minimal movement side to side. I would say 2-3 mm at most one side or the other.

 

[Xavierviana]

Mine has very minimal movement side to side. I would say 2-3 mm at most one side or the other.

Like this?

 

[Houston Kid]

Yes. About like that.

 

[Redcruzer]

I certainly dont have much if any side to side play with mine.

 

[GDDYP]

Just curious, what prompted you to try and move the shifter sideways?

 

[Xavierviana]

I certainly dont have much if any side to side play with mine.

So you have less play than the video I’ve share?

 

[Xavierviana]

Just curious, what prompted you to try and move the shifter sideways?

No specific reason, I noticed the play yesterday when parking my car..

I have 24.000 miles on it.

 

[michail71]

Just curious, what prompted you to try and move the shifter sideways?

Anyone who has some years on a manual trans will likely try this.

I still keep my hand there after a couple years of being in autos.

 

[Xavierviana]

Anyone who has some years on a manual trans will likely try this.

I still keep my hand there after a couple years of being in autos.

Thats correct, for work I drive a Manual, daily.

Ps. Do you also have the same play as my linked video?

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