I have a 1996 saturn sl2 with a 5 speed transmission. i was driving and i heard a ping and now it wont shift into 2nd 4th or reverse but it will shift into 1st 3rd and 5th. i have no idea what the problem is or where to start so if theres someone who can help me out it would be greatly appreciated

Remove the console and take a look at the shifter bushings. these connect the bottom of the shifter to the cables. it is common for them to fail, they sell bushing repair kits on eBay and some parts stores.
if that is good however, then you have to look at the other end of the cable and make sure that movement of the shifter is causing the linkage to move on the transmission, if not then you are going to need a new cable set. these are much cheaper at parts stores than through a GM dealer.

take a search through saturn repair videos on youtube for particulars on the console removal and shifter cable replacement. there are lots of them there.

Thank you that is what is wrong thank God for you