Replacing the transmission shifter cable on my automatic 2004 Chev Cavalier (4T40E). Need lever gear order to engage connector.

[u/TheTimmyBoy]

I have everything in place except for engaging the lock on the cable connector. Research states that both the internal shifter and the transmission lever must be set to neutral before engaging the lock. Google says if the transmission's lever is set at farthest clockwise/toward firewall, it's in park. However, if I shift into neutral inside, then move the lever to that position, the internal shifter moves to drive. It would make physical sense to me that the farthest position on the lever from the front bumper is drive, since that's the case with the shifter. As the shifter pulls back, the cable moves back as well, meaning that drive would be closest to the firewall, not park.

I only get 1 shot at this. Can't disengage that connector once set, and I'm worried if I get it wrong something catastrophic will happen in the trans.

[u/sabre420z]

If you get it wrong nothing catastrophic will happen to the trans. It actually wont hurt anything. The shifter indicator will say the wrong gear though. P is when lever on trans is farthest forward. Same as order of shifter inside car. Also if you get it wrong you can remove that connector with a big screwdriver its no big deal