Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: transmisson shifter, master cyl, rear portion

Question
1995 Buick Riveris shifter on column will move back and forth but transmission will not change gears.

Answer
Hi,Derald

 It may be that the shifter cable has detached from the shifter linkage,first look under the steering column and behind the bottom cover were the ign switch is,look for a large cable that goes from the steering column down along it to the firewall,at the top most of the steering column near the handle of the shifter the cable has a plastic retainer this may have came loose,if that is ok,then open the hood, and look down the rear portion of the trans,under the master cyl,you'll see that same large cable it will come through the firewall loop around and end at the linkage for the trans,see if that has come loose,if it looks ok,then have a helper move the shifter into all position and watch if the cable moves the lever on top of the trans,if that is moving then the problem is internal to the trans either the shaft is broken or the prawl that attaches the linkage inside the trans has broken,if the your helper is moving the shifter,yet the cable does not move then the cable itself is broken internally and would have to be replaced,let me know what you find,Thanks


ED