1999 Lexus RX300 shift control cable replacement - Repair (Interior)

[@blakeblankinship8260]

Listen... this video just saved me some serious money. My gramma gave me his Lexus and she stopped working after 1 week! This video showed us EXACTLY how to fix it! We can’t wait to get her up and running tomorrow! You sir are a lifesaver and my girlfriend is so happy we will now have a working car!

[@connorhollifield]

Thank you very much to the original creator and everyone in the comments. Car got stranded downtown CHS stuck in neutral. After watching this video and reading the comments, I took off the wood grain center panel, re attached the shifter to the gear selector using a zip tie (though I’m sure tape / other random things in the car would work) This allowed us to drive the car home. Once there I went over to Lowe’s, got the grommet, e clip, and end cap and seems to be working great.

[@drumbyte]

I'm so happy to hear that you were able to get out of a bad situation because of this video! Thank you for sharing.

[@rpmfoto]

Thank you for this. I had a mechanic tell me the cable was broken and needed to be replaced. He said he would do it cheap. The part is about $70 plus his labor. Once I looked at it, I realized only the rubber/plastic bushing was broken. A quick KZbin search and your video pops up. I plan to drill a hole in the pin for a cotter pin and just replace the rubber bushing for a few bucks. Many many thanks for posting this!!!

[@waltpalen4601]

I think a cotter pin holding a 9/16 in washer would be a great semi-perm fix, even if the grommet gives out the cable will stay attached to the shift arm and the car should still be driveable....?

[@babyfaceself]

God bless you for this I'm a handy mom so mechanics are not my go to, found this after backing in my driveway and getting stuck in reverse. Went to lowe's and 35 minutes of tinkering to avoid taking all the panels off and viola I'm back in the game! Definitely subscribing Thanks so much!

[@daviddilny7271]

You saved me! Today I was 150 miles from home and lost the shift function. Thanks to the insight from your video I just popped the wood trim cover piece from around the shift selector. I saw no need to pull the other dash and glovebox parts. I had the same issue, the plastic cable end at the shift selector deteriorated and slipped off the metal stud. I just slid the cable end “eye” back onto the stud and secured it with a zip tie, just to get me home successfully I might add. Had I called a tow truck, and had it taken to Lexus an overnight stay at a motel meals and such in addition to the inconvenience the cost would have been the better part of $1,000. Thanks Again!

[@jamesc09]

I used this video to fix my son’s girlfriends RX300 on Saturday. This is great and a huge blessing to them. Saved then $300-$500 I’m guessing. One word of caution. I’ve seen people saying they did it while only removing the decorative panel. I tried that and got it to work, but didn’t have the room to get the axle cap on. It’s working with only the e-clip and I think it’s secure, but, in hindsight, I wish I’d followed this video to a T.

[@JDMasonFX]

This is an absolute belter of a post mate. I ran into this issue last night when leaving school (I'm a teacher), managed to manually put it into drive and basically it's in drive mind you so don't turn the car off if you do try and go home, and came across this post last night. Went to Lowes, spent just over $5, and this morning easy peasy just as the video shows the shift cable had slipped off due to eroded plastic thingy. Popped the grommet in there, my fumble fingers couldn't manage the e-clips, and squeezed the end cap as he described. Up and running in about 20 minutes of cable work. The pisser for me was putting the bits back on around it! Took twice as long and i'm 6'1 not very easy to maneuver in the interior but I managed and voila, done and dusted. Outstanding @drumbyte thank you so much.

[@m.s.gperformance299]

One of the best step by step videos I followed his instructions and everything came off the way he said super easy definitely subscribing

[@markburich5953]

Absolutely best video. $5 in grommet and cap nut and everything working great. Saved me up to $1000 at local shop. Great job 👏🏻 n this very detailed video!

[@drumbyte]

I ended up saving $1000 with this $5 fix, and was unable to find any other videos on KZbin for this car. So whoever gives this video a thumbs down must work at the dealership, lol

[@mwfielder]

I found this same exact issue. So I only pulled off the decorative piece and found the same issue. So now I’m looking for the easiest way to keep the cable on the level...

[@patrickford5109]

Exceptional video. Very clear instructions and camera shots. I took this on myself based on this video and being convinced I could make the fix. The one thing I will add is after doing all the steps up to the removal of the "lower finish panel ornament" (the fake wood grain thing) I found I could access the cable and shifter ends and make the repair without going any further and in fact removing the "lower finish panel ornament" can be done without removing anything else and gives enough room to reach in and make the repair.

[@drumbyte]

Thank you for the feedback! When I initially went in, I was intending to replace the entire cable. It was only once I had full access, did I realize what the actual problem was. So you are absolutely correct.

[@allensinho4]

Thanks you're the man. I was wondering the same thing... I was inspecting all the bolts and the space and thought it looks doable without removing all the panels, other than the wood

[@Sketch_Sesh]

2003 RX300 Fix - just finished the $5 fix! works great, nice and secure. Got the parts from Lowes. Had to make a minor modification cause the 5/16" e-clip would not fit. Able to do it only removing the center faux wood trim console. Used: Hillman Rubber Grommet 9/16OD x 1/4ID Part#881253 | Hillman Red Axle Push Nut 5/16" Part#880521 | white lithium greese. Drumbyte Thanks for posting this video!

[@drumbyte]

Thanks for helping out all the people with newer models!

[@JDMHaze]

Thanks I have a 2000 so I will be going to Lowe's after work today I got stranded and I'm still where I was stranded at but at least I can figure out how to get home for now

[@sethc758]

What a genius place to put a shift cable. Pure genius

[@smokypatton7588]

Thanks so much for making this video, friend. I did what Stan Smith (who commented below) did & just removed the wood grain panel & repaired it that way. A couple key things about doing it that way vs. taking all of the panels off as you did. First, approaching it from the top with only the one panel removed limits your ability to use leverage & it's very difficult, if not impossible, to use both hands to do the work because of the limited work space. Second, if you haven't removed ALL the panels, then if you drop a grommet or e-clip or axle cap, they fall into the abyss. I stuffed a rag below the work area to prevent this from happening after I dropped my first grommet; it helped. Third, I couldn't get enough leverage on the grommet to get it inserted into the cable ring so I used some very sharp little scissors & clipped off a little bit of one side of the grommet all the way around and was able to get it inserted after greasing everything up with white lithium grease. Fourth, I only slapped on one e-clip because of the leverage issue & had to insert that e-clip using needle nosed pliers. Fifth, I had to get the axle cap to kinda stick to the end of the post by putting a little grease around the inside edge of the axle cap, then cinched it on with the pliers. Hopefully it will persevere for a long time. Good luck to all & thanks again for posting this drumbyte!!

[@robertlongoria765]

You sir, obviously are a highly paid technical writer. Excellent detailed report.

[@smokypatton7588]

@@robertlongoria765 Thanks for the kind words, Robert. I was a lowly paid auditor at one time. Inherited the "detailed" part from my genius father, GRHS.

[@ryanmiller2905]

Not all heroes wear capes. This is going to save me BIG money. I just had our RX towed to the shop. After watching this, I went back, popped off the wood trim, reconnected the cable and drove home. I’m going to Home Depot in the morning to get the parts in this vid. Seriously bad design, Toyota. I need To buy the OP a beer for this one. 🍻

[@chrispellegrin]

Found this today. Video helped so much, thank you. Was leaving work to my first job site and reversed out of parking spot and got stuck in the middle of our lot! Boss came up to me and asked why I parked right there hahah.

[@adriana1627]

This happend to me today can u helpme

[@stanooo62]

Drumbyte you ARE THE MAN! I was out of town and the wife had to get towed... looked up your video, removed just the woodgrain trim and fixed it for 43 cents! Thanks again!!!

[@drumbyte]

You're very welcome!!! This is why I bothered to make this video in the first place! Because I too needed this information and there was absolutely Nothing out there on KZbin to help me! Thanks for letting me know, it means a lot to me to read your comment.

[@doyallogan7685]

Did you really do this by removing only the woodgrain trim? I removed the trim and can not even see the shift cable. What am I missing. Thanks in advance.

[@rollofagan9150]

Dude ~ You are Awesome ~ Your Delivery is the way thing SHOULD Be . I paid $300 for tow truck to Transmission Place. He said he had to tear out all the trim work and Dash, and he didn't have the time . . , sent me to another mechanic who said $350 , but next week, who sent me another Mech who said next week. I Did Cheat , and undo Shifter in Place . You can reach around side and put end on little arm . AT Least , I COULD have saved a tow truck !! Ugh . What a great Video , and Thank You !!

[@MarcusFetch]

Thanks so much for this video! I was scared to do the repair myself but a poor dude with no money and you saved me!

[@bloodcandy09]

Thank you so much for your video, very details instructions step by step, fixed my Lexus RX300 only $5 instead $500 from the car dealers.

[@jenpop7]

this totally helped fix my 2001 rx300! thanku!! i first thought it was clogged transmission filter so changed that. didnt fix it. saw this video and took apart interior and wa-la! cable was off latch. thankfully i grabbed 3/8 e-clips and axle thing along with 5/16. 3/8 fit perfectly!!!!

[@cyberdotone]

Thank you for this wonderful and informative video. My RX-300 cable became detached in a very inconvenient place. I was able to temporarily repair it in order to drive it home and do a permanent fix. No tow truck was needed!

[@adriana1627]

Why did u tow it did it stall

[@Lacquerhead-TX]

Just had this exact thing happen on my wife's 2001 RX300. Fantastic documentation!

[@alexpicazo2372]

Wanted to tell you thanks for that video. Saved lots of money on a $5 fix. My dad was a happy camper now he can drive his Lexus 👍🏻

[@JDMHaze]

Thanks this helps, my vehicle literally went out of gear at the driveway and I had to get it pushed into a parking space I'm literally still here, but seeing your video I just removed the trim cover over the shifter and saw the linkage was loose just like the video, I put it back in at least so I can make it home

[@gregreiter]

This worked perfectly, thank you for posting this video! $5 fix it was...plus $5 for the lithium grease...but hey, big thumbs up to you! Parts: Rubber Grommet: The Hillman Group - Model # 881253 Hillman 2-Pack 0.5625-in Rubber Grommet Found at Lowes for $1.13 Cap Nuts: The Hillman Group - Model # 882547 Hillman 2-Count 5/16-in Zinc-Plated Axle Cap Nuts Found at Lowes for $1.24 E Clips: The Hillman Group - Model # 881396 Hillman 5/16-in E-Clips Found at Lowes for $1.27

[@blakeblankinship8260]

Greg Reiter you are the man! I was googling this part and couldn’t find it lol. I’m heading to Lowe’s tomorrow!

[@Dexron3]

Thanks drumbyte I was able to fix my cable with your help. I remove all the plastic trimming out of the way to have room to work. It’s not necessary to take them out but if you don’t be ready to work in a tight spot. I use the same size rubber grommets 9/16”OD X 1/4”ID Hillman #881253. E Clips 5/16” Hillman #881396. Axle Cap Nuts 5/16” Hillman #882547. The grommet fit just perfect just make sure is sitting properly on both sides of the cable hole. The e clip for security and the cap nut for added security. The cap nut it’s a really tight fit so do what drumbyte did and move that shifter part out out he way because you would need the space to put your tool to clamp it into the shaft.

[@Aloha96789]

Thanks for sharing this great video! I only used 1 e clip and I forgot to use the axle cap. I hope it will last till I get the proper bushing repair kit. PS the panels were easy thanks to your excellent detail and it made the job very easy with them removed.

[@justinishorrible]

Great video, Drumbyte! Got my fiancée's Lexus up and running in about an hour thanks to this. :)

[@drumbyte]

I'm so glad to hear that!

[@peedee487]

Excellent video, Was stuck in a shopping center could not get it to go in any gear, called a friend to drive me home, called a Lexus dealer parts who told me $500 for a transmission cable, watched your video, did exactly like you did with the grommetthe only difference I did was drill a hole in the end of the rod, put a metal washer on and a cotter pin, This way if it does disintegrate the cable would not fall off and leave you stranded, thanks again for a great video.

[@jeffersonhighsmith7757]

Would you care to unpack that for a mechanical dunce? I know what washers and cotter pins are, but I'm having trouble visualizing what you did with them. I've got the exact same problem, a worn out bushing on my 2000 rx300 shifter cable, and I wouldn't mind upgrading the reliability a bit while I'm fixing it.

[@waltpalen4601]

I like that solution, how is it holding up?

[@thekop9049]

You are a hero sir. Thank you so much for post this. Toyota should learn this 😂😂😂. Just did it today. Hopefully it will works for long time

[@theshoppesofavondale4071]

drumbyte, You are the man!! Thanks so much for posting this video. Saved me hundreds. My cost for parts was $8.

[@solomonpelumi3773]

I will so happy if you can help me

[@ashtonwoods]

I used Hillman brand nylon piece from lowes of diameter .45" and then reduced it's diameter to .43" by using polish paper. Then cut length of nylon bush w sharp knife to .26" - .27". Added slight chamfer for easy entry of Cable eye hole onto nylon bush. Also used silicon grease for easy push fit. This length allowed to add either C or E circlip to lock cable eye hole and bush onto pin. Note shifter pin has slight step at end. c or E clip needs to fit at that step. Clip is must. Now it's working perfect and costed 50 cents. Gr8 VDO.

[@GroovyMisfit]

Thank you for putting this video together. Where did you find the diagrams that are shown in the video?

[@doyallogan7685]

Can this be done by only removing the woodgrain trim? I did this and can't even see the cable? What am I missing. Would appreciate any comments. TIA

[@EHernandez-b2m]

Thank You, This was a really helpful video.

[@yusefmckay6477]

wow thank you so much. I cant tell you how you saved me. from me and my family thank you.

[@edmaly]

Thank you very much for this video! You just saved me a ton of money!

[@drumbyte]

Better than giving your money to one of those people who gave this video a thumbs down:-)

[@jayoduinn340]

where in the video do you change the linkage within the engine bay?

[@alansigle4385]

Very well done! Thanks for all the details on removing the panels.

[@jaypruiett2026]

great video and commentary. Thanks much!

[@chellesaidit]

Ive got everything off but the clip at the end of the shifting cable. How could i get the clip off if its extremely rusted. I let it sit over night drowned in wd40. Still no luck. P.s there is no maneuvering room to take the entire bracket out. So basically what im asking is how can i remove the clip without removing the complete bracket from the vehicle. (In a 2003 lexus rx300)

[@rimu3715]

Thanks a lot for posting this video!!

[@waltpalen4601]

many thanks to the original video poster drumbyte and comments by those who were able to do the fix without tearing the dash apart. This saved me the tow job to the corner shop and the further costs there. We managed to get the trim piece off and then do the repair with just the washer and the red end cap since we couldn't get underneath the pivot arm to be able to place the 'C' washers, we just jammed the grommet into the cable from the lhs, and then pushed that onto the arm (lubricated by the while grease), then squeezed the red end cap on with an 8 in set of slip jaw pliers. we talked with a friend at the autoshop and while they are quite familiar with this specific issue, they only seemed to be able to purchase the complete cable from the manufacturer, so the walmart/ebay offer of the $25 replacement insert seems useful and we will get one for if/when the grommet fails, (as I expect it would under continued use), but for us this is our backup car during covid so its not really used much, but we are very gingerly shifting it anyways. Thanks again for all the wonderful tips. A few we will pass on, you take the trim piece our as depicted in the video but we used a small pry bar designed for dash work, (we ruined a few plastic tools before we switched to metal), make sure you label the plugs coming out of the back of the trim piece as we had three plugs to disconnect, and the one for the mud/2nd gear lock looks the same as few others on the harness once the piece is removed, and we had to guess which one went to that switch, and the idea to stuff a work cloth under the assembly before you start saved me a grommet, though not the C clips.....

[@heather2029]

Have a 1999 rx300 that won’t reverse. Drives forward tho. It tries to go, and moves an inch maybe. It feels like it is engaged but just won’t go. The front struts do need replacing, and wheel bearings on front. There is also an indicator light on for “rear light failure warning”. Does anyone have any ideas if any of this could be related. Or what it may be. I am without a car now and can’t afford much to fix it. Thank you for any help

[@brianpham7777]

Thank so much for your video. My car had same problems, mehanic want change new cable cost total $ 500. I order on Amazon part bushing $30 included shipping. Hopefully parts come soon i will fix problem

[@gregorydiggs4325]

I Simply popped the woodgrain cover around Shifter, reached down there and put cable back on Shifter, then took a RED HEAT RESISTANT zip tie from Home depot depot in front of cable, pulled it AS TIGHT AS POSSIBLE. Mechanic told me he has fixed a bunch of Toyota Shifter cable the same way, and Zip tie fixed it permanently. Wipe any left over grease OFF Shifter end , and it should hold it on PERMANENTLY ! If it comes loose , do it again ! But I don't think it will, because it's NO PRESSURE on the Zip tie . It's the EASY REPAIR TO THIS problem !

[@ashtonwoods]

Hi my wife has Lexus RX 300 1999 . It's not starting. Just makes one click sound. Battery and starter relay are good. Shifter just shifts smoothly with out resistance from P to 2 to L positions. However display in Instrument panel cluster shows transmission is in 2nd gear only irrespective of position of shifter even though it is in park. Car won't start till shifter sensor tells starter relay which is in fuse box it's in either P or N position. I guess Shifter has got disconnected from transmission and that's why just shifts smoothly without engagement to transmission. Is my guess correct ? Did u also have same problem ? What problem prompted u to change or look at shifter cable and shifting-transmission linkage ? Pls help and advise.

[@ashtonwoods]

Where u bought shifter cable from though u did not use it ? Do u know what part number and how much it costs ?

[@chowder366]

Thanks for video

[@johnandrick3396]

Awesome. Perfect - worked for me :)

[@adriana1627]

My car was on perfectly then I press the knob button to move it to reverse and before I did I only pressed the button and it stalled on me and turned off is my knob messed up can it be my shifter cable

[@adriana1627]

Causing transmission problems? Car turns on

[@Ponchothewolf]

Keep up the good work

[@adriana1627]

My car stalls when I barely press the shifter knob why so

[@PA96704]

My shifter been saying i'm in drive and it's in reverse. I couldn't start it a few days ago because it wouldn't go into park. I let her sit and then she was good to go after a few minutes???? Is this my problem??

[@jeffersonhighsmith7757]

It sounds like something to do with the shifter cable, yes, but it could be something like a kink in the cable, or the bushing could be going. But don't take my word for it...

[@pazamsubramanian532]

Can you please send me the instructions that you were following? thanks

[@gregorydiggs4325]

Put a RED HEAT RESISTANT Zip tie from Home depot in front of the cable, pull it as tight as possible. Remove all the grease OFF the Shifter end before putting Zip tie on , Should hold it on PERMANENTLY.

[@theresacombs2845]

what if my car goes into gear but will not move? I do not feel it going into reverse

[@drumbyte]

If the shifter feels too easy it's probably the cable/link.

[@d.johnsanders5547]

You are the Mu$&&$$&$$&in Man dude! That was the awesome.

[@Ponchothewolf]

Thank you 🙏

[@kylew6968]

Life saver

[@ninofiol]

Thank you so much drumbyte, easy fix with your help. I really appreciate you sharing this with us. I hope the money you saved us comes back to you 1000 fold!

[@deyjahellington7945]

You never said why or wht problems u were having to have to change it ⁉️

[@Boyzofsummer1]

Can you email me the instructions??

[@arnoldbaclig7709]

Sir if our you just drill and then put a pin its more better wont come out anymore 🤔🤔🤔

[@davevalente]

Thanks just a grommet and a zip tie on the road again

[@mutademan]

Wow how E Z IT WAS TO FIX MINE ZERO $$$$..thanks..👍👍👍👍👍

[@wcolby]

Excellent video but it should be titled how to take apart your car and then jury rig a repair.