How do you remove the shift cable on a 2003 Celica?

Answer 1

Changing Shift Cables in 2000-2005 Celica

I recently changed the shift cables in my 2002 Celica GTS with 6 speed and 93,000 miles. I have done a lot of mechanical work in my time, but this has to be the hardest single job I've ever done. It took me 9 hours of concentrated labor, spread out over two weeks, to do the job. It's not impossible, but it's very, very hard. When the car was assembled in the factory, the shift cables were put in first, then all the under dash stuff. To get to the cables, you have to remove much of the under dash, and what's left does not leave you much room to disconnect and remove the cables.

If your Celica quits shifting, it's probably the shift cables, assuming your clutch and transmission are in good shape. Mine quit in the driveway. It worked, then it didn't work. Before ordering new cables from Toyotaparts.com ($350 for the set) make sure it's the cables. Pull the battery, battery box, move stuff out of the way, and check both cable ends where they connect to the transmission. The ends have a plastic guide that sticks out the end of the cable, and that is what breaks. If you broke the cable itself, you are shifting way too hard. There are no shifter stops, so the cable itself acts as the stop, and if you slam the shifter in power shifts, the cable breaks. Don't do that.

Remove the forward heat shield underneath the car, and remove the bolts holding the cables in place. If Toyota had put all the assembly bolts right there on the outside, this job would be much easier. But NO.

Then go inside the car, and remove the center console, and both lower under cover parts of the dash on either side, exposing the equipment inside. Disconnect the cables at the shifter. I disconnected the vertical support bar on the driver's side to get the cables out. To remove the two hold down bolts on the cable plate under the A/C, you will need a 10 mm flat ratchet wrench. I got mine at Advance Auto Parts. When I reassembled the plate, I could only replace one of the two bolts. Do the best you can. There are other brackets holding the cables, so I don't see it as a problem. Reconnect everything, and you're done. Before removing the cables, notice that they cross each other near the transmission, so be sure and notice which cable goes where before you remove them.