Automatic Gear Shift Shaft Insert

[Pebbles]

Hi All,
I'm seeking some information and clarity in an issue I have with my automatic gear shift shaft. I'm not exactly sure what it is called so for intentional purposes I will call it the Gear shift (Photo enclosed). My issue is with the white plastic insert that runs down the shaft. The purpose of which I assume is a lock to prevent the vehicle accidentally being placed in reverse whilst driving.

Today I pulled the bezel off the front centre consul to gain access to the cigarette lighter socket that had shorted out. During the process of reinstalling the consul I have inadvertently knocked and broken the white plastic insert, level with the top of the shaft.

Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to replace this part. Does it just sit in the shaft or is it screwed in which I suspect it does. I am able to change gears however I am running the risk of engaging reverse during travel.

Many thanks and regards, Les

[Dicko1]

Hi All,
I'm seeking some information and clarity in an issue I have with my automatic gear shift shaft. I'm not exactly sure what it is called so for intentional purposes I will call it the Gear shift (Photo enclosed). My issue is with the white plastic insert that runs down the shaft. The purpose of which I assume is a lock to prevent the vehicle accidentally being placed in reverse whilst driving.

Today I pulled the bezel off the front centre consul to gain access to the cigarette lighter socket that had shorted out. During the process of reinstalling the consul I have inadvertently knocked and broken the white plastic insert, level with the top of the shaft.

Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to replace this part. Does it just sit in the shaft or is it screwed in which I suspect it does. I am able to change gears however I am running the risk of engaging reverse during travel.

Many thanks and regards, Les

I have sent you a pm. I fixed mine 2 years ago and still works fine.

My fix...

I purchased a length of 4mm brass rod. The piece of white plastic rod (the original) that broke off measured 55mm. It was slightly under 4mm in thickness. I used some wet and dry emery paper to bring the brass rod down from 4mm diameter to about 3.7mm diameter... When I installed the brass rod back into the black shroud that fits in the gear lever change grip I had to also make sure the ends of the brass road were smooth and not a sharp finish, otherwise it got stuck. After about 2 years it is working well and I removed it this morning to take the length measurement and the diameter. No signs of wear anywhere...as I would expect. I would also suggest that using 3.5mm brass rod would also work. 3.5mm is easier to buy and would save sanding. I tried superglue but to no avail. The brass rod fix is cheap, quick and will last forever. Good luck

edit....another possibility if your pushed for time....Use a drill bit (say 3.7mm) and carefully grind down the drill end. The end that goes into the drill chuck should already be a nice smooth rounded end..

[stevemc181]

I've attached an exploded view diagram from partsouq that shows how its all connected.
It looks like the part number is MR477642, but you'd need to check your specific Vin Number and ensure its correct. Amayama has it listed for $107.00 + Freight, its an expensive piece of plastic!

https://www.amayama.com/en/part/mitsubishi/mr477642

https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/mitsubishi/part?catalog=JP&model=V78W&code=A013H606A&category=23&classification=LRHF&group=200

[Dicko1]

I've attached an exploded view diagram from partsouq that shows how its all connected.
It looks like the part number is MR477642, but you'd need to check your specific Vin Number and ensure its correct. Amayama has it listed for $107.00 + Freight, its an expensive piece of plastic!

https://www.amayama.com/en/part/mitsubishi/mr477642

https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/mits...LRHF&group=200

When I broke mine I am sure that it was a lot more complicated than just buying a stick of plastic and putting it in.. Otherwise I would have done so. Fairly sure that mine was part of a bigger module set-up.. Could be wrong but I do remember trying to see if it was a simple fix by just installing a plastic rod and the deciding that my method did a good job. Maybe Pebbles will know as he just taken his auto trans cover off.

[Pebbles]

Hi Steven,
Many thanks for your reply and detailed breakdown of the part. You did well to find that, much obliged. I’ve been conversing with Dicko and how he dealt with his problem and am going to follow suit by inserting a made up rod and give that a whirl first.
As you say, a lot of money for a small piece of plastic. Just as well we think outside the square. I don’t know how these people can lie straight in bed charging absorbenant prices like that. I bet if I rang a Mitsubishi dealer, that price would be double. Thanks again. I’ll post my results in due course. I’m hoping I’ll have the same success as Dicko.
Regards.

[psproule]

Replaced mine with coathanger wire.

Pat

[pb4x2]

automatic gear shift shaft insert.

Just a thought how about metal knitting needles they are available in different gauges [diameters]? As mentioned I also think outside the square.

[Pebbles]

All of the above will work. I completed the task today by cutting a 3mm (tad over) metal weed matting peg purchased from Bunnings. Not much thicker than a coat hanger actually. Ironically today, I did also consider the knitting needle concept and would have perhaps gone down that track if my first effort had failed. It’s times like this that you do have to get creative if you want to save money. Pleased to say I now have a functioning gear stick again. I must say, I was a little worried there for a while, but it’s with the help from guys like you that won the day.
Thank you

[Dicko1]

Good to hear Les. I also hope that this thread may help some other person who will make the same mistake..

[Jasonmc73]

In preperation, the brass rod, where can you buy brass rod?

[Seigried]

At a scale model hobby shop

https://www.hobbytools.com.au/metal-rod/

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Dicko1]

I have sent you a pm. I fixed mine 2 years ago and still works fine.

My fix...

I purchased a length of 4mm brass rod. The piece of white plastic rod (the original) that broke off measured 55mm. It was slightly under 4mm in thickness. I used some wet and dry emery paper to bring the brass rod down from 4mm diameter to about 3.7mm diameter... When I installed the brass rod back into the black shroud that fits in the gear lever change grip I had to also make sure the ends of the brass road were smooth and not a sharp finish, otherwise it got stuck. After about 2 years it is working well and I removed it this morning to take the length measurement and the diameter. No signs of wear anywhere...as I would expect. I would also suggest that using 3.5mm brass rod would also work. 3.5mm is easier to buy and would save sanding. I tried superglue but to no avail. The brass rod fix is cheap, quick and will last forever. Good luck

edit....another possibility if your pushed for time....Use a drill bit (say 3.7mm) and carefully grind down the drill end. The end that goes into the drill chuck should already be a nice smooth rounded end..

UPDATE...


After 4 years it is still working fine. Got my piece of brass from the link provided by Siegried (above post).

[MartinDanger]

Thanks for the info

Thanks for the info. I just broke that plastic rod while installing the Auto-mate kit.
I managed to break that part by tightening up too much the screws that hold the top of the gear selector. The holes for the screws go through to the centre of the shaft and when I tightened those screws up too much, they impinged on that plastic rod. I then tried to press the button to get it out of Park and, using a bit too much force, snap!

[Ozzz]

Thanks for the info. I just broke that plastic rod while installing the Auto-mate kit.
I managed to break that part by tightening up too much the screws that hold the top of the gear selector. The holes for the screws go through to the centre of the shaft and when I tightened those screws up too much, they impinged on that plastic rod. I then tried to press the button to get it out of Park and, using a bit too much force, snap!

Mine broke 20 mins ago, this thread is life saver

[Dicko1]

Start with a length 55mm and you may have to trim up to 10mm off depending on breakage point.