I just changed out the shifter of my 1996 Polaris Sportsman 4x4 400. I now can't get the linkage rods adjusted right. I can't get it to shift in reverse. Low gear doesn't seem to work now either.

SOURCE: Transmision Shifting Problem

Was the fluid you drained red or black? did it smell like trans or gear oil? With linkage disconnected, could you put trans in park by moving the lever on the side of the unit? Oil condition is likely a separate issue...most "blown" transmissions generally have normal operation of shift, it just dosen't do what you tell it to. two things likely going on are: linkage problem and likely in need of fluid/filter change.

SOURCE: car will not shift into gear

Sounds like a linkage/cable to me. Disconnect the linkage at the transmission and move the shift actuator by hand to see if there is the same things happening. Don't try to do this with the engine running unless someone is holding the brake inside the car.

SOURCE: Can't shift into reverse ( manual transmission )

I have the same problem on my 2005 cts. The shifter fork has two rubber bushings that attach at the transmission that break or give way. I assume they did this for a softer feel and to avoid vibration but it leads to the selector not engaging well when you go the extreme direction of reverse on the shifter as there is too much deflection. I replaced the bushings with washers as spacers and it seems to work as a "McGyver" fix. I do intend to get the parts needed from Cadillac to restore it to factory standards. Hopefully they have the parts. To fix the problem you have to go under the car. To get good access you have to disconnect the exhaust and the driveshaft. I did it without this and just tormented my poor hands but I wasn't willing to do all the other work while in my driveway. You simply take the clip holding the fork shaft onto the transmission selector end off and slide the small shaft out. I also took off the shifter side of the fork to study the thing a bit better. That takes a 13mm and a small allen wrench, 4.5 or 3/16, can't remember. Then replace the bushings or do as I did and stack some washers so as to get rid of the slack between the inside of the fork and the gear selector on the transmission. Assemble and try. If you have as good dexterity and tenacity at your fingertips as I do, you'll curse the day you attempted doing this without taking out all the other stuff. If you don't, take out all the other stuff to make room for your hands. The space is very confined. Good luck.

SOURCE: The manual transmission gear shift

take out the console, look on youtube for videos of others doing this. most likely you are going to need a saturn shifter bushing repair kit which you can get on ebay for less than 20 bucks.

SOURCE: The gear shift is locked

It has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You should just push the brake in to shift, but if you have done that, and it still won't shift, with foot on the brake, push the shifter all the way into park. Sometimes they don't always go into park all the way. Also if you park on a hill, it puts pressure on the btsi, so you cant shift it. Have someone push the vehicle back, just enough to take the pressure off and it should shift. I had this happen to me with my Grand Am.