1991 colt vista wont downshiftinto 2nd and reverse had to shift

Susan; It could be one of three locations, under car along frame rial, under hood engine compartment mounted on fire wall, or under hood mounted near shock tower. below 2nd link shows the filter assembly and partial harness to help identify location.
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Dodge Colt Repair Manual Service Manual Online 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

FUEL FILTER 35 VISTA CZ for 1993 PLYMOUTH COLT

How To Replace Fuel Filter

How to Change Your Fuel Filter

YOU NEED TO SEE A TRANSMISSION MAN, THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A JOB AN END USER CAN TACKLE. aLMOST CERTAINLY GEARBOX TROUBLE I am afraid
Good Luck with it

Sounds like the sink rows are going out or has a warn shifter fork if you can get all gears without running it needs a cluch

Your transmission is gone

a manual transmission or transaxle,if it say, selected shift only works means the problem are the synchronizer of each shift. if mentioned, it was automatic transaxle, the problem is the cluch pack. full down then disassemble the transmission and examine each part for wears. out of spec clearances means problem.

make sure all the electrical connectors to the trans are properly connected. One of these plugs is for the shift control solenoids- not properly connected = no shifting. This happened during the repair operation which is why the car worked fine before the water pump was replaced.

No, those sensors are seperate from transmission, should be a solenoid that is electrically controlled inside the transmission that controls the shifting.

My 1993 Plymouth Colt Vista is doing something similar. It won't go into any gear - forward or reverse. It probably will need a transmission overhaul or rebuild - looking at just under $2000. Pricing online is $1380 for FWD and $1560 for AWD as of July 2010. Includes a 1 year warrantee and $300 for the core. Does not include labor; just ordering the part.

Electronic sensors in trans.could also be shifting cable needs adjustment.

Has anyone tried lubricating & or adjusting linkages/cable?