For the past few days its been difficult (real notchy) to throw the shifter into all gears. It drove without popping or slipping gears. Started up today and it wont shift into any gear. There is no grinding or any noise involved. It just won't shift. Can anyone give me an idea what the problem might be and possible expense before I send it to a repair shop?

Is the shifting different when the engine is off? If the answer is "no" then check your linkage.

I have never had this problem on my 90 because it's an icky auto. I have had this problem on my Yugo. What had happened was the bolts for the transmission mount had come lose and the transmission had dropped down a bit so it was resting on the shift linkage. This made it hard or impossible to shift.

Mine never got quite that bad, but it was tough to shift when the car was cold. It turned out my fluid was old and low - replacing that helped.

When the car is not started I can move the shifter. If i keep it in gear the engine will not turn over.

If your clutch is not releasing fully, you won't be able to shift when the engine is running because your transmission is spinning. You may still be able to start the car in gear because of clutch slippage.

Several components make your clutch work:

1. Fluid in the clutch system
2. Clutch slave cylinder (it's a hydraulic setup)
3. Pressure plate on the clutch
4. Friction material

This, as any other car diagnostic process, is a matter of deductive investigation. You start with the simplest system and move on to the next.

1. Check to see of the clutch slave cylinder is actuating. If it's not the system is either full of air (bleed the clutch) or the slave is shot. If this does not fix it... get ready.
2. If the slave cylinder is working properly, put the car in the first gear and attempt to start the engine WITH THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED. If the car lurches forward, the clutch is not releasing fully. This would likely point to a possible clutch failure or 'maybe' a clutch release fork failure. At this point you're stuck and must remove the transmission to accurately diagnose the problem. At this point at least count on replacing the clutch.

3. An internal transmission problem would be unlikely to cause lurching upon start-up in gear with clutch depressed. A failure of gear sliders inside the tranny would cause shifting problems, but would not affect the clutch itself unless the input shaft is damaged. Sooo.. if you got here, your tranny likely needs replacing. Sorry.

You did not mention if your clutch was slipping in any gears at all.

Keep in mind the above is a loose guide. Attempt any fixes at your own risk.

Good luck.

Clutch is not slipping at all. BTW, started and it did lurch forward in 1st gear

okey dokey.. follow the checklist and keep your fingers crossed. I hope it's just the slave cylinder or air in the system.

I pushed down on the clutch a few times pumping it and then it let me shift. A few minutes later it didnt. Pumped it again and it let me shift. Does that tell you anything?

Pushed on the clutch a few times and it let me shift with power on. Then it didnt. Pumped a few times again and it let me shift again. Does this help you out?