Ion manual shift cable broken

[Patzekd]

Got an 03 Saturn ion 1 Base, 5 speed manual. Last couple weeks I've noticed in the real cold weather the shifter is rather stuck/frozen until the car warms up , then it shifts great. I've been letting it warm up before I drive it and its worked out well....until today. Got in it after work and and the right shifter cable snapped. Pulled the boot and actually drove it home using vise grips, real pain. But I have it home now and started looking for replacement shift cable and can't find any. Called the Gm dealership they want 140$ for one cable. Has anyone else ran into this problem? is there a generic Gm cable that can be used? Or even the Ion redline cables? All the shift assemblies I found on eBay are for automatic ions ... Any help appreciated let me know
Thanks

[ddemier7]

Try the junk yard

[ruley73]

Just an FYI that the shift cables on 2003 models (p/n 22670918) are different than those on 2004-2007 models (p/n 15277760). I've attached a TSB that explains the differences.

TSB_#03-07-29-007_Shift lever cable changes.pdf

Also, the shift cables in Red Line Ions (p/n 10383794) are different from regular Ions.

[ddemier7]

We have a Saturn Junkyard here in town, if you want give them a call at 417-626-2277 Spencers Saturn's we are central standard time located in area code 64801

[Patzekd]

Thanks for the tips , would that saturn junk yard ship do u know ? I'm in pa

[ddemier7]

Im sure they would. Just add it to the bill... lol

[toxicbloodshock]

I'm sure this thread, and maybe the whole forum is dead, but does anyone know if the shift cables for a manual 2004+ Vue are interchangeable with the 2004+ Ion? I have a 2004 Coupe 2.2L, I think I need to replace the shifter assembly (~$200, and still available) because when I pull it out of gear the lever doesn't want to return to vertical, and if possible it may be beneficial to replace the cables too. The ball that the lever pivots on has a lot of play in it too. There's a lot of graphite dust inside the center console which I believe means the cables are going bad. I hope they don't need it, because can't find them online and the cars are getting scarce in JYs too. But Vue shifter cables are still available.

Alternatively, is it possible to make shifter cables DIY? Maybe using the sleeve and hardware from the broken and replacing the cable inside? I have to think that the hardest part would be to come up with a way to end the cables and connect them to the lever and the transmission linkage.

Thanks

[waiter21]

Welcome. I'm not sure about the interchangeability... My thoughts:

1) If this is a VUE, before spending any money on it, look at the front engine cradle attach points to see if they exist. Mine were almost completely rusted away. I was able to repair them and should get another 15 - 20 years out of them This is how I repaired mine:

http://www.1999southwind.com/toad-20...#ENGINE_CRADLE


2) I screwed around trying to lube, used, etc. I finally broke down and bought new cables. Check around, Check e-bay, amazon, etc. I think the price of these has come down. (I paid about $200 4 years ago)

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=217222

..