2009 Nissan Versa with shifting problems

[VersaNissanOwner]

Hi all,
Have a 2009 Nissan versa manual. On Monday I couldn't shift into 5th, 6th or reverse. The reverse works now but 5th and 6th are still no go.

I took it to a garage and the guy said the cables etc look fine. He thinks there is something broken and loose in what he called the shifter assembly. He can't tell without taking the thing apart and since he can't replace a piece of it, his recommendation is to replace the shifter assembly. Parts and labor = $680. He said he would have to go from under the car (remove the exhaust etc) to replace the assembly, hence the increased labor.

Anyone else have this problem? And does this sound like a reasonable price?

Thanks!

[ezb57e]

Sure, anything can break. I would try to disconnect the cable at the arm on the trans first and move that so you are sure the problem isn't in the trans.
That being said, the cables on the trans use 2 different methods of attachment, both of which are a PITA to remove ,and nearly impossible for me to describe in words here.
You may be able to just pull out the big C clip that attached the cable to the bracket, and move the arms enough to see that things are OK on the trans end.
The shifter does come down from underneath, but its easy after you deal with the heat shields.
Additionally, you can take the plate off the bottom of the shifter and see more of what is going on.