Pontiac Repair: 1996 Firebird shift linkage problem, linkage problem, shift linkage

Question
Hi Todd;
for 1996 Firebird Formula. 5/7L LT1, 4 speed auto (R700?)
When shifting from reverse to drive, the shifter felt stiff as it went into drive (felt normal coming out of park, into reverse, and through neutral). I cycled the shift lever through it's full travel to test the feel and wound up with the trans stuck in first gear. The shift lever now travels freely. The car still starts in park, so the mechanical interlock to the linkage functions. Is the linkage between the lever and trans a cable? Could it have slipped in the mount (the trans has never been out of the car, which has 220K on it)? Can I get to it from inside the car, or do I need to get under it to access the linkage? Is any slip in the linkage more likely to happen at the lever, or on the trans?

Thanks for your help, Mark

Answer
Hi Mark:

The linkage is a cable between the transmission and the shiter it's self. the adjustment is at the trasnmission side of the cable. Either the retainer poped off or the adjuster is stripped out or the cable is streached out It's one of the 3 things. Without seeing it it's hard to say. My guess is the adjuster retainer poped out and the adjustment moved at the transmission. Good luck :)