Shifter is seized ,,,linkage is working free . problem seems to be in transmission??

Shifter linkage where it attaches to the transmission seizes. Try lubricating then working shifter back and forth. May need to disassemble and lubricate linkage bushing. Held together with 13mm nut.

You will need to have it up on a lift to inspect the under carriage where it hooks up to the transmission. Sounds like you lost something.

without much to go on as per auto make, it sounds like frozen shifter cable or seized linkage

Do you have battery power to release the shift lock actuator? Instead of grease, try jumper cables and another vehicle or a battery charger.

A common problem on Neons, ( happened to me on my 95 and 97 as well ) is the throttle pressure control linkage at the transmission seizes and causes hard shifting and sometimes your gas pedal feels stiffer as well when pushed to floor, but loose at top. The linkage is located on top of where the shifter linkage attaches to the transmission, basically under your battery tray on drivers side. Remove the battery, and look down under the tray and you should see it. The part you want to concentrate on is the linkage that sits on top. WARNING!! Do not undo nut etc and remove it from the shaft it is attached to or you will end up getting it towed to tranny shop for repairs, as linkage drops down and transmission pan and some internal parts need to be removed to re-attach it. Just leave it alone. That linkage needs to move freely and independent of shifter linkage. You'll have to spray with WD-40 or similar, to work it loose and get it to turn back and forth all the way. (about 90 degree sweep) Once you have it moving freely, apply a good coat of white lithium spray grease to keep it protected and lubricated. This picture may help, even though its a little small. Once that's freed up, your shifting problems should go away.

at the base of the steering just behind and below the battery . you will see a cable and linkage from the gear shift lever to the transmission .. there is an adjustment there to coordinate the shift indicator with the transmission .. thats a good spot for battery acid to leak .. or just general corrosion ... you can relube the linkage and cables leading from an to that area .. check for corrosion damage .. check and lub the linkage that goes down to the transmission .. lube both ends .. that should free up the shifter unless there is some mechanical binding at the shift leaver ..

Hi,
You might first inspect the transmission shifter lever for an obstruction, preventing you from actuating the lever. If none, undo the shifter linkage from the transmission lever and see if you can then, work the shifter lever. If it works ok, you have a problem with the linkage from your shifter.
Hope this helps. Good luck!

SOUNDS LIKE THE DOWNSHIFT LINKAGE IS STICKING/SEIZED..IT IS LINKAGE THAT CONNECTS TO LEVER ON TRANS FROM FROM THROTTLE LINKAGE..THE SHAFT THE LEVER IS MOUNTED TO SEIZES IN SHIFTER SHAFT OF TRANS..SOMETIMES YOU CAN FREE UP IT UP BY SPRAYING WITH A PENETRATING FLUID AND WORKING LINKAGE BACK AND FORTH,SOMETIMES VALVE BODY HAS TO COME OUT TRANS TO FREE IT UP PROPERLY..I HOPE THIS HELPS

Your linkage must be out of adjustment......or a bad tranny.