Yes, it absolutely sounds like a problem with the linkage. There are little plastic bushings at each end of the shift rod--they can disintegrate and introduce too much play, sometimes making it hard to get into park or reverse. Or the rubber transmission mount can deteriorate and the body of the transmission ends up misaligned in relation to the shifter.

BUT it sounds like this car is much worse off. If I read you correctly, the transmission stays in Drive regardless of what position the shift lever is in? And it "glides"? All that makes me think that one of the little circlips that holds the shift linkage together has come off and is no longer "talking" to the transmission. This creates a dangerous situation, b/c she can now start the car with the tranny in Drive. And of course, she can't back up, or get away with not using the parking brake.

IF the linkage came apart and the horizontal shifter rod has disappeared, be aware that you will need to get a used one from a junkyard, they are NLA at the dealer.

john

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1989 245 233K / 1993 945 127K