Push Button Puzzler
 

Wondering if anyone can help…
I have a 1964 Dodge Custom 880 convertible. Owned it for 25 years and had the 383 engine and Torqueflite 727 transmission professionally rebuilt about 5,000 miles ago. It runs well, it’s maintained properly, and driven all year long.
Recently I’ve been having trouble with the push button transmission selector. When the car is cold, it starts and runs fine, and the shift buttons operate properly. After driving the car for 30 minutes and when it reaches normal operating temperatures, it will not shift out of Drive, either to Neutral or Reverse. It’s as if the button does not go “in” enough to switch to another position.
I’ve taken out the selector mechanism and cleaned and lubricated it. I set the adjustment wheel at the transmission to the factory manual recommended settings. I had a transmission specialist check, clean, and adjust everything in search of what might be wrong. I replaced the shift cable with a brand new one, thinking the old one might be stretched too long to work properly. Since the problem comes up only after the engine and transmission are hot, I wrapped thermal insulation around the section of the exhaust pipe that runs anywhere near the shift cable.
Nothing works. The transmission shifts smoothly and properly when driving, it just won’t shift out of Drive after I stop. If I shut off the car (in Drive) and let it cool for 30 minutes, the push button selector returns to normal operation and I can shift to Neutral, and start the engine again.
Anyone have any ideas, leads, or suggestions? It's not much fun trying to parallel park without Reverse!
Many thanks for taking the time to review my post.

Sorry, no idea. I only had one car back in the 70's, a '64 440 car 426, and very little experience.

I have no idea. But have you tried adjusting it when hot ?

you need a factory service manual. it has a wheel at the trany with holes with one having a bolt in it. take the bolt out. here is where we have to hope my brain works right. the first guess put the trany comb in park. pull the cable out till it stops. turn the wheel till it touches the casting. turn the wheel 5 more holes. put the bolt in. do member this is from memory of 40 years ago. do check what it is now before changing the adjustment. what might be off is the comb set to park.

Your memory is pretty good! I do have the factory manual, and I have adjusted it according to that procedure. Still No luck! I might experiment with going off that adjustment, maybe over the years things have worn, and the factory settings don't cut it anymore. Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it.

Are you sure they sent you the rite cable?

Yes, custom made, exact replica of the original.

Sounds like you got it covered pretty darn good.... Might be time to head back into the trans again..Something got messed up.....

is the button box good? i have had lots and lots of them. and had ZERO trouble. take it off and watch the mechec move, if its off it should be easy to see. each button pushes on one bar while releasing the old one.

I have a similar problem
 

Hi , I'm in the same exact predicament with my 64' Dart and am wondering if you ever found a solution!?