Easy Fix, common problem. Dealer extortion?

[nycnftm]

I have a 97 Eddie Bauer. One of its problems is that it doesn't always go completely in park so I always have to apply the brake. What I think is related to this is that car doesn't think it is in park and the electronics stay on causing it to be dead if I do not drive it daily.

I read on these boards about the two hex bolts under the steering column and looked for them myself. By hand they both felt tight and in place. I did not have the #30 screwdriver and was frustrated about trying to fix it myself and took it to the stealership. Dropped it off on Wednesday and was quoted $120 to fix it, not terrible. Didn't hear anything from Wednesday through Monday and now told I need a bearing and a bushing in the steering column to the tune of $700! I told the agent that I'm not spending $700 on this simple repair that isn't entirely necessary.

Is it really possible that I need a bearing and bushing in the column? I'm buying the #30 tomorrow and hope to get my truck back with no money spent

 

[Habbibie]

Could it be the shifter cable being loose or stretched??

 

[docraymund]

What may be happening is:

1. You have a parasitic drain that causes your battery to go flat.
2. Shifter cables may be loose. You need a repair manual for this.
3. Your parking pawl in the trans is broken.

 

[jseales]

You may have a problem with the Steering Column Shift Tube and/or bushings. Lots of Youtube videos on this problem. Had to replace the bushings on mine and now it is nice and tight. Not a hard repair, just time consuming.

 

[jseales]

You may also want to check the Shift Indicator Bracket, it may be broken or need adjustment.