Update on shifter problem. Finally got around today to take off shifter knob. I can now get shifter to work properly, however am unable to get it to work right with handle back on. There is a plastic? shaft that I can push down to make it work. Is this shaft supposed to be attached to the handle itself or is it separate. I can remove it from the steel shifter rod and put it back in and have a fully functioning shifter with the exception of the T-Handle. Any ideas as to what the problem is? Rod or T-handle?

The button on the T handle is supposed to push the plastic rod down and yes the plastic rod is a separate piece. Put the plastic piece in the handle and see if the button moves it. Could be the handle is broken or the rod is too short.