Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere 180, shift linkage, shift control

Question
After cutting the lawn, when I went to change gears, the shift control had lost all tension and I was unable to down shift. Looking underneath, I can see a bar hanging down from a rod that is attached to the gear shift lever. It swivels at the end of the rod. I cannot see where this bar was attached. Can you explain where this was attached so I could try to re-attach or is this a major repair issue? Thanks.

Answer
Hi KD,

Sorry, I can't tell you exactly where the rod goes.  I would look again carefully.  Use a light or a mirror to see all the areas.  Look underneath or even remove the deck if that helps.  Try to follow the shift linkage path and see how the parts work, then you might see where the bar goes.  At that point a screw might have fallen out or a part might have broken but you will know what needs to be done.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael