I've just noticed that the shift lever does not hit the bottom of the gate in drive. The tranny seems to be in drive, but the shift lever stops about 1/4" before hitting the bottom of the slot. I looked at the cable bracket underneath and it is secure. The lever will go around the left into the J gate as it should. Just curious if anyone has an idea on this one? I have never heard of this before.

 

Nor me. It might be prudent to inspect the shift lever assembly. Might be a stuck/seized detent. Wear does occur on these things after high miles; they are not ever-lasting, unfortunately.

 

I hate to pull the console apart but something may be blocking the shifter so I guess I'll have to dig into it.

 

Well, I pulled the surround and looked into it. As I thought, a large piece of plastic debris was blocking the shifter from seating in drive. It looks like it has been broken awhile, the broken edges were dusty. I removed it with a long nosed tool and all seems well. This broken piece is part of the housing which includes some kind of ramp. the shifter works normally, so I'll try to forget about it.

 

That's the problem with used cars, the bloke who fiddled about before you bought it.

 

Its strange that this would happen now, since I've had the car since 2007. I have not pulled down the shifter to see where the piece came from, but it looks like some impact caused it. I didn't do it, but maybe the valet at the last hotel I was at in Savannah? I'll never know.