420A Car only shifts in to 4th no matter what gear I choose.

[MotherShip]

I have a 99 Eclipse RS 5 speed and the car only goes into what seems like 4th gear no matter where i shift. If i try to go into 1st 2nd even Reverse the car moves forward as if it's in 4th gear. The car doesn't grind when shifting either. And when doing the neutral shake left and right it sticks when pushing it to the right instead of snapping back to the middle. It wants to stall when driving from a stop but once up to speed it drives normal for that gear range. I have no idea as to what could cause this and haven't found information anywhere.

 

[Dericsh]

Have someone move the shifter inside while you watch the cables attached to the transmission from outside, see what’s happening there. Possible the shift cable is broken.

 

[CKOPOCT]

Check to see that the shift cables are actually manipulating the transmission. If not, check to see if the cables came disconnected from the transmission or from the shifter mechanism.

 

[CKOPOCT]

Have someone move the shifter inside while you watch the cables attached to the transmission from outside, see what’s happening there. Possible the shift cable is broken.

Jinx

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

As already mentioned it's a shift cable/linkage/bushing failure. All components are old and worn now.
Here's my thought. It's very common for the rubber bushings on top of the transmission to fall apart. I had this happen but was stuck shifting in 3rd gear. It's simple to check. If this is your culprit I recommend the Torque Solutions plastic bushings. They actually solidified my shifter a bit vs new OEM rubber bushings. I have also heard of people using skate bearings, but the fit and finish was nicer for the plastic bushings IMO.

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[MotherShip]

Finally got time to take a good look and the shifter cable snapped. So thank you all for getting me in the right direction and if you guys have any recommendations as to where to get replacement cables definitely let me know

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[97egl]

I think used on ebay or FB marketplace is the only place to find them. Might be able to post a wanted ad in the classifieds on here but may take a while before somebody has a set

 

[Dericsh]

Can probably try Kannapolis auto parts.