The column shifter on the side of the steering column of your 1997 GMC vehicle is used for lowering or raising the steering column. A loose column shifter indicates the securing screws of the shifter are loose. The solution to a loose shifter is tightening its screws. It's a simple process you may complete in a few minutes. You should be sure to tighten the screws as soon as you can because a loose shifter can fall out if you are driving on a bumpy road.
Park your GMC vehicle on level ground and turn off the engine. Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
Pry off the upper and lower steering column covers with a flat-head screwdriver.
Reach behind the steering column to locate the shifter. Locate the two screws on the shifter.
Use a small Phillips screwdriver to tighten the two screws on the shifter itself. Make sure they are not too tight or you risk cracking the plastic.
Reattach the steering column covers by snapping them back onto the steering column.
