UPDATE:
I drove the car wednesday for deliveries, and have some new indications.
I can get it into 5th gear about 70% of the time. A quick firm shift works more often. It does not feel like the slightly more firm shift is forcing it into gear, rather with a firm quick shift the problem does not surface at all and the feel going into gear is completely normal.
I got it into reverse twice out of about 100+ attempts. I try it every time I stop for a light or whatever. I had just gotten into the car on my way to a delivery, tried reverse, no go, went to 5th, pulled back, and it went to 4th. Moved it over and tried again, and it dropped right into reverse. Again it felt normal, just like before the problems started.
So I drove off, and stopped in the middle of the parking lot, deciding to try it again. I stopped, pulled it over to reverse, and it dropped right in.
Haven't been able to get it back in reverse since then.
I guess the main new indication here is that it does go into reverse on rare occasions, and it feels completely normal going in when it does. So the problem is not best described as dificulty getting into gears, when it works if feels normal. Something is intermittantly completely preventing the shift, not just making it more difficult.
Does this bring any ideas to mind for anyone? I really cannot afford to take this to the dealer and bend over for them.
Thanks,
Dave
