SolaraGuy.com

Hi
I have a 99 Solara. The transmission cable broke off at the tranny. Funny how such an expensive cable has ends made of plastic that routinely break ! Dealers price was $260 including tax. Got it for $174 including shipping online. Now I need to install it.

Anyway. I am completely stuck at the metal plate that is inside the car up against the firewall. I can't even reach it with my fingers, let alone get a socket on the bolts that I can't see or feel. There is a ginormous AC unit (so says the manual) that is completely in the way. Is there some way to get that metal plate off without raking my entire dashboard out??? Do I have to remove that ginormous AC unit??????? It connects to AC pipes under the hood. So I'd have to drain & recharge the AC/system???

Why did they A.) Make the ends so badly. I've never owned a car that ever broke the tranny cable in 30 years of driving (and I owned a lot of REALLY junky cars in my youth) and B.) Why did they put a plate where you can't get to it without totally dissecting your car. It seems the outside plate and grommet would be enough to keep the weather out

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to elaborate. Not looking forward to round 2 of this job tomorrow

Thanks,
Ron

You do not need to take out the ac/heater box. When I did my transmission swap I was able to get that metal plate off but I think you need to do it from both sides of the firewall. My advice to you...find someone with really small hands and be patient. You may only be able to turn the screw a little at a time.

You need to use a 10mm ratchet wrench, and its easier if you
Remove the airbag ecu, just be careful not to strip the torque bolts.

Fixed, thanks.
For anyone needing to do this job, I went at it from the passenger side. I got the close bolt easy with a ratchet and the far one with an open end wrench , one quarter turn at a time. It wasn't easy, but it's done and works good. Now I need to start another thread because upon starting the car I got a brand new problem. This car has NOT been very good to me