Cadillac Repair: Shift cable, auto recycler, cadillac deville

Question
Car: 1997 Cadillac DeVille (Automatic Trans)
Problem : Gear shift on steering column is VERY stiff (just bought this car - I am the second owner). The car sat in a garage for several years prior to my buying it. It has been suggested that it is the transmission shift cable that is bad, and that it must be replaced.

1. Have you ever seen this to be the case? What could sitting in a garage do to cause this problem?
2. I am also told that I can not get a cable to   repair the problem ( not made - not available).
3. Is there another likely possibility other than the cable? Or, a way to repair existing cable?

What should be a reasonable price to reapair this prpoblem?

Thanks so much,
John

Answer
Hi John, I have not seen this condition before and am surprised you can't get a new cable from the caddy dealer or a parts store. What I would do is remove the 15mm nut that holds the shift lever to the trans shaft and with the car on level ground remove the arm and then try to move the trans lever and then try to move the shifter. See what one is stiff. If it appears the cable is stiff then you could try spraying WD40 and trying to work it through the cable but you might not have too much success. In that case go to the junk yard/auto recycler and get a used cable and put it on. If the steering column or the trans is the problem then a shop will need to repair it. Sitting in a garage causes parts to rust or bind up due to lack of use and if you take it to the shop expect to be charged 1 hour for diagnosis and if it is the cable then maybe 1 to 1 1/2 hours to replace it. Hope that helps. Bill