Ok so I just bought a 03 Mazda 6 3.0. While driving in normal conditions for some reason the shifter stopped going into gear. It will move left and right while in neutral, and it will move up into 1st, 3rd, and 5th. But just enough to barely touch the gear, the second I release the clutch it will pop out. And 2nd, 4th, and Reverse I can’t even get to, the shifter will not pull back at all. Can someone please help?

it doesn’t matter if the engine is running or not. The problem stays the same.

Ok so I pulled a few things apart. The cable that is moved when the shifter is moved front to back seems to be limited in motion. Does anyone know of a simple fix or do I have to replace them?

That’s what I did. I first pulled the cable off the shifter and made sure the shifter has a full range of motion (it does) then I disconnected it from the transmission (and the trans seams to be fine). With it disconnected from the transmission it’s limited (just kisses 1st, 3rd, and 5th) and it will not go into 2nd, 4th, and Reverse.

JUST TO give you guys an update. The plastic guide on one of the shift cables near the transmisson (under the rubber boot) I replaced the cables and now I’m on tothe next problem.