Depending on make model and type of play. Very often, there are bushings in the linkages shifter to transmission. You will probably need the car in the air, or jacked high enough to get under it. Dealer part, or may be found at some hardware stores.
shifter
If you plan on using the original shifter then you will need the one specifically for your car. If you plan on installing a universal shifter, then it will come with a new cable.
new shifter or you can work hard in fixing the shifter... it happend to me in a 1980 Malibu and that was the kind by the steering wheel, also in my friends 69 camaro the auto floor shifter
More than likely the shifter is bad. On the right front of the shifter is a small plastic cover. About the size of a pea. Pull this cover up and inset a small flathead screwdriver in. Push it down and then you should ne able to get it out of park. You will need to do this every time until you get the shifter fixed.
El Tigre
To tighten the shifter cable on your bike, first locate the barrel adjuster on the shifter or derailleur. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to tighten the cable. Test the shifting to ensure it is working properly. If needed, fine-tune the adjustment until the shifting is smooth and accurate.
The nylon bushing at the bottom of the shifter is worn out. remove console. put shifter in the neutral position, unbolt shifter from transmission. replace bushing, then reinstall. good luck...
Tighten bolt on shifter
To replace the gear shifter on a bicycle, first, shift the chain to the smallest chainring and cog. Then, loosen the bolt holding the shifter in place and remove the old shifter. Install the new shifter in the same position and tighten the bolt. Test the new shifter by shifting through the gears to ensure proper functionality.
Common signs of a loose shifter in a vehicle include difficulty shifting gears, a shifter that moves around excessively, or a shifter that feels loose or wobbly. To fix a loose shifter, you may need to tighten or replace the shifter linkage or bushings, adjust the shifter cables, or replace the shifter assembly altogether. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.
same thing happened to me ---all it was -was worn shifter cables underneath the shifter console---tighten em up or buy two new ones---
To tighten the derailleur cable on your bike, locate the barrel adjuster on the derailleur or shifter. Turn the adjuster clockwise to tighten the cable. Test the shifting to ensure it is working properly. If needed, fine-tune the adjustment until the shifting is smooth.
To replace the gear shifter on your bike, follow these steps: Begin by removing the old gear shifter by loosening the bolt or screw that holds it in place. Slide off the old gear shifter and disconnect any cables attached to it. Install the new gear shifter by sliding it onto the handlebar and reattaching any cables. Tighten the bolt or screw to secure the new gear shifter in place. Test the new gear shifter to ensure it is functioning properly before riding your bike.
To fix a loose shifter on a 1994 Mercury Capri, first, check the mounting bolts and tighten them if they are loose. If the shifter itself is wobbly, inspect the shifter assembly for worn bushings or clips that may need replacement. Additionally, ensure that the shifter cable is properly adjusted and secured. If problems persist, consider consulting a repair manual or seeking professional assistance.
A 2003 Ford F-250 column gear shifter can be fixed by simply tightening it again. You can tighten it by turning the adjustment wheel on the lower right side of the steering column.
To tighten the front derailleur cable on your bike, locate the barrel adjuster on the derailleur or shifter. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to tighten the cable. Test the shifting to ensure it is working properly. If needed, fine-tune the adjustment until the shifting is smooth and accurate.
Put transmission in third gear, loosen locknut on cam adjuster, turn adjuster screw whichever direction is needed to center shifter pawl by feeling for equal free play and spring pressure when moving shift lever in both directions. Tighten locknut. If you still have shifting problems, check for correct clutch adjustment, proper amount of primary oil (one quart), warped clutch plates or a bent shifter fork.