shifting tube and turn signal out of alignment

[beetleswamp]

A few months ago I replaced the ignition key tumbler and since then the turn signal stalk doesn't go all the way to the left (won't click) but I can get the signal to work by holding it down. More importantly the truck won't stay in Park. I can put it in park but the engine shifts back to reverse automatically which is really annoying sometimes when I start up and it rolls back a bit even with the ebrake on.

I just replaced the turn signal switch wires and tightened up the stalk so it works a little better (still not right), but the big issue is no-park. I can probably adjust the linkage but it seems to me as if the column itself is not on straight. I tried playing with it today to see if I could make it line up but no dice.

It seems like it could be something really silly and easy and I'm hoping someone else has experience with this. Thanks.

[Irish_Alley]

it shouldnt be in the column, but more in the shifting linkage under the cab

[beetleswamp]

Turns out they were separate issues after all. The turn signal switch assembly (with all the wires coming out of it) was not seated correctly. It doesn't quite snap into place but you have to fiddle with it to get it all the way in and make sure it doesn't rock back and forth.

Going to adjust the linkage now. It's probably not lined up because my engine mounts are all oil-soaked and squishy.

[Elpresidente]

Did you try disconnecting the linkage and manually putting it in park to make sure it stays there? I would do that anyway just to make sure it's not something in the trans. Just my .02, maybe i'm over cautious.

[81_Chevy]

In a way the same thing happened to me, my truck would shift into all the gears but not the right spots on the shifter column, like to go into drive I had to put it in 2 and neutral to reverse, etc. I went under the cab and the cotter pin had come off the rod connecting the linkage to the trans and worked it self half way out, so I just pushed the rod back in and put a new pin in and it's been good since then. Hope that helps,

-Nic