dbmnazgul

Okay, dumb question:
Why would the shifter start to feel loose? Kind of wiggly. Plus it can move into neutral without engaging the clutch (not on its own, but with a little force). What is wrong? What can I do? Is the clutch going?
98 2.3

98blackie2.3

I'm not sure what you mean by the shifter feeling loose, but it's probably just wearing in. Being a little wiggly is normal.
About moving it from gear to neutral with out engaging the clutch. That's also normal. If you were to time it just right you can actually shift a manual transmission with out engaging the clutch. I've never done it in my CL, however I have done it many times in my Escort GT. The key is to not force it. I also do not recommend doing this, as the potential for grinding gears is always a really bad thing!!!

dbmnazgul

The shifter moves a bit from side to side when in gear, more than it used to... it feels as if there is a loose connection somewhere.

dbmnazgul

Is there any way to make the shifter stiffer or tighter?

ib_jimmy

get a short shifter. i think it could just be the rubber bushing on the shifter. I dont think the clutch have anything to do with it.