2009 Impreza stuck in 3rd gear, shifter extremely loose.

[merickson144]

I drive a 2009 Subaru Impreza and today while driving I lost the ability to shift into a different gear. It is completely stock with a 5 speed manual transmission. I was coasting downhill in neutral when I stopped at a stoplight only to realize my shift knob was extremely loose, as in I could basically move it in a circle. I also seem to be stuck in third gear, the gear I last shifted into.

I am by no means a car guy so I figured here would be a great place to ask for help, but I'm thinking its gotta be related to the linkage right? Any ideas of where to start or where to look would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ecmbuster]

You will need to remove the interior covers to at least inspect the exterior linkage. If the linkage is intact, there is a possibility the shift forks or shift assembly are damaged.
Here is a close illustration:
https://www.subarupartsdeal.com/par...able/manual_gear_shift_system.html?diagram=01