94 Mazda Protege Gear Shifter Falls?

[nukicks]

I have a manual transmission 94 Mazda Protege, and the gear shifter wont stay in it's upright position. I have to light the shifter up before I can shift into gear. I removed the center console and noticed a rubber ring type of thing that goes around the shifter. It does look a little misshaped, but I don't know if its the problem, and don't know what the name of the part is.

Any help? Thanks
*correction, should read "I have to lift up the shifter..."
*correction, should read "I have to lift up the shifter..."

 

[Roger]

It sounds like there is some wear and tear on the shifter, which is normal considering how much it gets used. The good news is most are made to be disconnected when the transmission needs to be removed. This means a mechanic who knows transmissions can fix that pretty easy. Check with your mechanic and have him take a look. and fix the shifter

 

[ABEL1]

light up the shifter?
need a pic if you want to repost