What happened to my gear shift?

It's a 5 speed old Saturn. Went into reverse okay, but when I tried to shift into 1st, the gear shift was flopping around all over the place. Couldn't get it out of reverse so had to back it into my neighbor's driveway.

Is this REALLY bad news?

Thanks! I'm in tears. :cry:

Put it on a lift and I bet they will find something. Whatever you do don't just jack it up and crawl under the car to have a look. At a minimum put it up on jack stands. Your family will appreciate having you around a bit longer.

You, jimmil seem to know your stuff, from what's been posted here.

:thumbsup:

I have screwed up more than most have. :)

can you get it into first when the car is turned off?

also, I understand the panic you feel. If you can get a recommendation for a good repair shop,
you will get less nervous when these things happen.

Usually its word of mouth, just ask your friends or neighbors where they take their cars.

I found one really good shop just by accident though, and kept using them because they
always fixed whatever was wrong and never added on a bunch of things.

Sorry for your trauma though - I have a 5 speed Mitsubishi, and replaced the pressure plate
recently. Considering it went almost 100,000 miles without any such repair, thats not bad.

My mechanic guarantees parts for one year.

Hope you don't need a new clutch, but you might want to get mentally prepared for it.