Shifter will not move below drive, unable to manually select 1/2 and 3 gear positions
Has anyone else had this? The transmission is operating normally and I think this is a failure to the gearshift.

 

Are you pressing the release button on top-side of shifter?

 

I am pressing the release button on the left side of the Tee handle of
the shifter. I do not see any other locking device.

 

Pop off the shifter bezel. See if there is anything down there. I know there is a cover where they could get in but you would be surprised what can get down there. Old girlfriend of mine had a habit of putting her hair scrunchys and rubber bands around the shifter. One time could not move it. They had a habit of working there way down in there.

 

^That would be my next suggestion too.

 

I found two issues, first the plastic insert in the shifter lever was broken.after replacing that part that could be described as some sort of beeds, I also found the lock/release bottom on the shifter T handle was also faulty. The insert is available from dorman for around $15-20 depends on where you look. Have not sourced a replacement T handle yet

 

Had a similar problem today, Jeep wouldn't go into park. I'm thinkin that maybe sense the cover for the middle console is off maybe
something got stuck down in there..
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00' XJ Sport//Dana-35 axle// Pioneer Radio// Browning floor mats// Wrangler bumpers// Gadsden sticke (Daily Driver)
97' Dodge 3500 5.9L Hemi// (Sittin for 5 years and transmissions a giant POS)

 

CORRECTION:

I have discovered that Jeep in their infinite wisdom has at least 3 different bead inserts in the shaft of the auto shifter.. I have been using the shorter ones that do not reach up into the handle . I now have a longer piece in there now that is either too long or I still have a small piece of the original insert still inside of the shifter shaft. I need to use some magic fingers to try and remove a possible broken piece or there is a fourth size that is just slightly shorter than the piece I am using now. Right now the shifter handle locks onto the shifter and I can select all gears, but the shifter detent does not work. The insert sets up in the handle too high jamming the release button from moving. Pics to follow