How to tell if shift cable is worn out??

[GUNNY 68]

There is slack in the cable end????? is this normal??? THANKS..........

[Joe Reeves]

There is always a very slight bit of slack but not enough to interfere with the shifting. If you're speaking of anything over 1/8", there would need to be a problem with the control box... or in an extreme case... a break in the cable.

The exception would be a cable with removable guides (plastic ends) whose retaining clamps may have somehow come loose.