Hi, everyone --

I've been noticing a few cross-country posts! Cool -- our wagon survived and thrived on its recent 6000+ mile trip to California and back to Ohio. We couldn't believe how many boxy 240's we were seeing in California. They seem to be the surfer's car of choice or something! We also couldn't believe we forgot to change the oil at our half-way point, especially after the husband spent so much time on getting the car *ready* for the trip, but we don't think this messed up the car...

BUT -- began noticing this about 2500 miles into the trip: the shifter started to STICK, especially in the morning. It had been doing this before, but it wasn't traumatizing me; I'd just bounce in the seat or get out and rock the car to get it to move half an inch or so, and then I could press the button on top and shift the thing.

Now, however, I am invoking deities and swearing loudly (!!!) and pressing on the gas and letting the emergency brake on or off, anything to make the car move *more* than 1/2 an inch to get it to shift in the morning (I need to get into reverse to back up out of the parking space). It doesn't seem to help to just sit and wait for it to warm up after I start it. There is just NO WAY I can press that button in!

Anyway, I'm losing my voice and hurting my hands beating my car when it doesn't shift! We think it's time for me to ask for help.

If anyone out there has seen this problem and knows how we can fix it, I'd be so grateful!

-- Annie (Nick's wife)