transmission

Shift Cable

for 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replace the transmission shift cable connecting the gear selector to the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD.

Warnings

⚠Ensure vehicle is in PARK position before beginning work and parking brake is engaged

⚠The shift cable adjustment is critical for proper transmission operation - incorrect adjustment can cause the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated

ℹ️Work with transmission at ambient temperature to avoid burns from hot components

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

13mm socket and ratchetEssential

15mm socket and ratchetEssential

Torque wrench (10-70 Nm range)Essential

Flat head screwdriverEssential

Trim removal tool set

Work light

Mechanic's gloves

Vehicle lift or jack standsEssential

Drain pan

Parts

Shift cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM Maserati part
Cable retaining clips × 2 — Usually included with cable
Cable grommet × 1 — Firewall grommet if damaged

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Ensure gear selector is in PARK position
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system discharge
Raise vehicle on lift or jack stands to access underbody
Remove engine undertray panels for transmission access

Procedure

1
Remove center console trim panels
Remove the center console side trim panels and upper console cover to access the gear selector assembly. Start at the rear of the console and work forward. Remove cover screws securing the console panels, then carefully pry up trim pieces using trim removal tools to avoid breaking clips.
Torque spec
Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2
Access gear selector mechanism
Remove the gear selector trim bezel by lifting straight up after releasing the locking tabs. Disconnect the gear selector electrical connector for the position sensor. You will now have clear access to the shift cable attachment point at the selector lever.
3
Disconnect cable from gear selector
Locate the shift cable end attached to the gear selector lever. Press the cable retaining clip and slide the cable end off the selector ball joint. Remove the adjustment nut securing the cable housing to the bracket using a 10mm socket. Note the cable routing through the console for reinstallation.
Torque spec
Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4
Remove cable bracket from console
Remove the cable bracket bolts securing the shift cable bracket to the console structure using a 13mm socket. The bracket typically has two mounting points. Carefully pull the cable and bracket assembly away from the console.
Torque spec
Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
5
Release cable from firewall
From inside the vehicle, locate where the shift cable passes through the firewall grommet. Push the cable forward through the firewall into the engine compartment. You may need to remove the grommet retaining clip first. Inspect the grommet for damage and replace if torn.
6
Access transmission shift lever
Working from underneath the vehicle, locate the transmission shift lever on the driver's side of the transmission housing. Clean the area around the cable connection point to prevent dirt from entering the transmission linkage mechanism.
7
Disconnect cable from transmission
Press the cable retaining clip at the transmission shift lever and slide the cable end off the lever ball joint. Remove the cable bracket bolts securing the cable housing to the transmission using a 13mm socket. Note the exact routing of the cable along the transmission tunnel for proper reinstallation.
Torque spec
Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8
Remove old cable assembly
Carefully extract the entire shift cable assembly from the vehicle, routing it through the firewall opening. Inspect all mounting points and brackets for damage or wear that may have contributed to cable failure.
9
Install new cable at transmission
Route the new shift cable from the engine compartment to the transmission following the original path along the transmission tunnel. Avoid sharp bends or contact with exhaust components. Install cable bracket to transmission mounting point and secure with cable bracket bolts. Attach cable end to transmission shift lever ball joint until retaining clip engages with an audible click.
⚠Ensure cable does not contact exhaust components or sharp edges that could cause premature failure
Torque spec
Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
10
Route cable through firewall
Feed the shift cable through the firewall grommet from the engine compartment into the passenger cabin. Ensure the grommet is properly seated in the firewall opening to prevent water intrusion and noise. The cable should pass through smoothly without binding.
11
Install cable bracket and connect to selector
Route the cable through the console following the original path. Install the cable bracket to the console structure and secure with cable bracket bolts. Thread the adjustment nut onto the cable housing but do not tighten yet. Attach the cable end to the gear selector lever ball joint until the retaining clip engages.
Torque spec
Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12
Adjust shift cable
With the transmission shift lever in PARK position (verify from underneath vehicle), adjust the cable housing position so the gear selector inside the vehicle aligns properly with the PARK position detent. Once aligned, tighten the adjustment nut on the cable bracket to specification. Test all gear positions from underneath to ensure proper engagement before final tightening.
⚠️Incorrect adjustment can result in transmission being in a different gear than indicated - verify PARK engagement before releasing parking brake
Torque spec
Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13
Reinstall console components
Reconnect the gear selector position sensor electrical connector. Reinstall the gear selector trim bezel ensuring all locking tabs engage. Reinstall center console trim panels and covers, securing with cover screws to specification.
Torque spec
Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14
Reinstall underbody panels
Reinstall the engine undertray panels from underneath the vehicle. Lower vehicle from lift or jack stands. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

Reassembly

Verify all console trim panels are properly secured and aligned
Ensure no tools or parts were left in the console or engine compartment
Confirm firewall grommet is properly seated to prevent water and noise intrusion

Verification

With engine off and parking brake engaged, move gear selector through all positions (P-R-N-D-S) and verify smooth operation with proper detent engagement
Start engine and verify gear indicator display matches actual selector position in all gears
With foot on brake, shift through all gear positions and confirm transmission engages each gear properly without delay or harsh engagement
Verify PARK position: with vehicle on level ground and engine running, shift to PARK, release brake pedal, and confirm vehicle does not roll
Test reverse engagement: shift to R and verify backup lights illuminate and vehicle moves backward when brake is released
Road test vehicle through all gears to confirm proper shift cable operation and accurate gear position indication