I own a 1994 Protege with 100k. It's been running and shifting fine. All of a sudden, I can't shift into second, fourth, or reverse. First, third, and fifth still work fine. I've never had or seen anything like it. Any advice?

 

The only thing I can think of is the shifter bushings, as described in another thread right here. Sounds like there might be a lot of slop in the shifter linkage not letting the gears engage.

 

That is a really odd one you have. Can safely say have never run across that before. Could be internal trans in the shift forks but would not expect all three positions to lock out at same time. If you can, I would get up on stands and look closely at the shift rod from where the shifter exits thru the floor up the the transmission and first make sure there is nothing lodged in the way to keep shift rod from moving forward towards transmission. At least a place to start that doesn't involve taking things apart.
One other thought. Does the position of the shifter when in gears that it will go into, feel to be in the same spot as before? ie. when in first gear is the shift **** where it always used to be or has it moved.?

 

Thanks for responding. I will get under the car and take a look. The gear positions seem exactly the same as before.