Nissan Repair: 94 nissan sentra gear shift problems, nissan sentra, shift linkage

Question
My gear shift will not lock into place. For instance if I want to put the car in reverse I have to slide it one notch back to the next gear. To drive I have to put it in first or second gear but when the car moves the shift pops out of place. What could be the problem?  

Answer
Cicely,

Sounds like the shifter linkage on the transmission has lost its bushing.  You need to get under the hood and look at the shifter cable where it attaches to the shift linkage and see if the bushing is gone.  Replace the bushing and the problem should be solved.  Doubtful that the one in the car is defective as it is usually the one on the transmission.  The bushing is under $5 bucks at the dealer.  A clip holds the cable on and the bushing is pushed on before the clip is inserted.