Saab Repair: Shifting problems, proper linkage, rubber block

Question
I have a 1987 Saab 9000S. I know its old, but I'm hoping that you can help me.
My husband went to leave for work this morning and all was fine (ours is a manual trans.) he put it into reverse and it went, changed to 1st and started down the street; when he went for 2nd gear, he thought he missed it and maybe went into 4th instead so he went to correct it my moving the shifter forward to get back to 2nd gear and that is when he felt that the shifter was really loose and can now go in circles. I dont know if it's the transmission or if its something inside the car that has to do with the shifter. Thanks!!

Answer
At the end of the shifter is a metal rod, this connects to another metal rod coming out of the transmission. They are connected together via a rubber block. This block , over time, can deteriorate and when it does it will not allow the proper linkage movement to take place. Check this block first, it is likley the culprit.From under the hood you should be able to shine a light down there while someone moves the shifter, you should be able to see the problem