Linkage problem?
 

Car is 2003 boxster s with 54,000 miles. When I shift into second some times it goes in and sometimes it doesn't. Usually when I down shift it goes in 9 out of ten times. When it doesn't go in it seems like it doesn't engage. You hear some noise from transmission but no grinding gears. If you try and pull gear lever into second again with out putting clutch in it will grind. If you put clutch in and pull back to neutral then pull back into second it will engage sometimes.

When it is engaged it will not pop out.

remove the center console, and inspect the linkage going to the shifter.
do the same thing on transmission side.

Just curious, what specifically are you looking for? What would be a problem?

you need to look at the linkage here:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1355596156.jpg

make sure that the rubber bushing inside it, is not damaged.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1355596224.jpg

Thank you.