Auto Tranny difficult to shift

[Azplinker]

My automatic transmission shifter is very stiff to move from park to other gears. Was wondering if the cable needs lubrication or if something could be wrong in the transmission.

'92 Sidekick, 1.6L, 16v, mfi, 4 spd auto, 4wd.

[fixkick]

the cable is rusty or frayed inside. detach it and flex it , still stiff?

[Azplinker]

the cable is rusty or frayed inside. detach it and flex it , still stiff?

Is there a way to lubricate the cable without removing it?

[fixkick]

not without a Harley cable luber. device.
you could just spray cable lube down the cable. and shift a bunch.]
don't use wd-40 its only lasts a week the evaporates to nothing.

this is the 3speed cable, the 4 dont look different.
it must be free, and lubricated.

here is your cable.
http://www.fixkick.com/tranny/slush/slid...ge_13.html
see nut 8, remove it , and this detaches the cable.
does the shifter still bind up. yes, then the cable is bad, bad can be rusted, or frayed, frayed cables are not going to get better.
i hope is just needing some lube.

[Azplinker]

Thanks. I'll try the cable lube. Now that I've been able to drive it more, the shifting is getting easier. Just today got it to pass emissions and licensed. Thanks for all the help. Again, your web site and help made all the difference getting this old car back on the road and I'm sure will continue to be a fantastic resource in the future.