Noticed recently that when moving the shift lever along the gate, that I sense a bit more play or "slop" that normal.

My Haynes manual has no mention of where to begin.

Can I access the shift mechanism from underneath the car, or do I have to yank the console off?

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car