Vue 2004 Manual Transmission won't go into gear - completely loose

[dgrover13]

I have a 2004 Saturn Vue with 238k ( I have had it since 75k)

About to reverse out of my parking spot - and just as I did - the entire shifter is now completely loose and cannot go into gear, seems to be in neutral.

I have had the issue in past with broken shifter assembly clip/bushing that connects the shifter with the transmission cable - THIS IS NOT THAT. I have verified the shifter is connected to the transmission cable fine - and can see it all working/looking correct in the console.

If I look in the engine compartment, and move the shifter - i can see the cables connected to the transmission/engine and can see the linkage moving around as I move the shifter.

Remember, there is full play in shifter - i can move it all around and there is no engagment 'into gear'.

It seems the shifter/cables are fine, and connected to the linkage(which moves around) - but that something is broken from within the transmission/engine. Is that the correct diagnosis?

[douglasmwright]

My Saturn Vue appears to have the same problem. What was the problem?

[Otten33]

Know this is an old thread but having this problem now. Anyone figure out the solution?

[M7Mayberry]

Check that the transmission fluid is full. Any sign of a leak? When you push in the clutch, does it feel normal or loose? If the console clip is intact and the cables seem to be connected, then there is possibly an issue with the master or slave cylinder.

[RedCrayola]

If it's not the cable or the shifter itself than the only obvious thing left would be the shifter assembly at the transmission itself. The clutch only affects engagement of the engine to the transmission.