1990 Q45 Trans manual shift problem

[CrimsonQ]

Ok start of a longish post for me.

1990 Q45. 158,000 miles. Guides done, trans replaced at 107k, no trans cooler , fluids all changed, etc etc, basic mantaince done.

Ok now for the problem.

Since day one of ownership, I could never move the gear selector past the D3 position. Even if I tug as hard as I can it wont budge.I took off the console area and there seems to be no restriction (coins, crap, etc.) blocking it from going further. So I figured on checking out the FSM. I looked at the section on manual linkage adjustment. Followed all instructions with the help of a friend and no result. The shifter now moves into D2 and D1, but doesnt actually indent into a gear.

After that failure, I checked out the self diagnosis (without consult), and tried to do the AT test. It stated that I need to push the Shift lock button and pull it into Drive. But I push the shift lock and it just flops around, its obviously not hitting anything or engaging.

So for the questions.

1. Is the shift lock button a possible cause of the gear selector not being able to go past D3?

2. Is it something internal wise?

The car shifts all gears fine in D or D3, punch it off the line and itll downshift to 1st, so I assume the gears are working fine?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, or if any one has access to a lift, thatd be nice too in KC area

ThanxBc

[CrimsonQ]

bump

[3Q Jay]

with the gated shifter, you don't need the button except to get outta park, and to go into reverse/park from neutral. everything else is a detent, but not using the button.i take it all the functions of the trans [R/N/D] occur when the shifter is in the correct and corresponding position. that being the case, i don't believe your linkage or manual valve on the vb is misaligned. small chance that something inside the trans is preventing the manual valve from moving all the way to D2 or D1. there are also external detents on the pass side where linkage goes thru case into the box.