[jwetering]

There's some good threads on Renntech and/or Rennlist which describe the removal of the console between the seats.

Once that console is removed, it becomes very obvious how the cable shift mechanism works, and it should be very easy to diagnose your problem.

I would have taken some photos of the setup when I did my console delete project a few weeks ago because I took the time to investigate a possible shifting issue with my own car (there was no issue by the way). Once it was apart it was simple enough that I figured it wasn't worth the effort (my bad).

In a nutshell

1) when the cables are disconnected, the shift handle has total freedom to move in an area much greater than is required to operate the transmission.

2) The cables are connected to the mechanism by a funky little serrated rod setup. This is the part where it would be useful to have a photograph since this is the only part which I could see having failed in your case.

The tool referenced above is totally unnecessary to do an adjustment. I could see if you wanted to centre your shift lever to within a fraction of a millimetre or something, but functionally it is not required.

Step one - remove your centre console.