I installed an aftermarket shifter and under hood cable bushings this past summer, I have a pretty good idea where the install was botched which causes the problems I'm having now; not being able to shift into 1st and 2nd gears. I'm aware of cold-weather problems and tighter, aftermarket shifters, but last week I absolutely could not engage first or second gear, the shifter would move left, but not up and down.

After eventually muscling it into gear, I've found that I've lost 1st and 2nd completely, the car will actually engage 3rd and 4th and wiggle side-to-side while in gear, as if it were in neutral. I suspect one of the cables that go from the shifter to the gear fork, under the hood has snapped. I took apart my console and everything appears connected. I had a buddy shift through the gears and the selector does move, but like my experience, shortly attempting to engage 1st, the shifter will bounce back towards the middle, indicating that 3rd is actually engaged.

Finally my question, how screwed am I? By that, I mean, what does a job like this usually cost? What's involved in replacing those cables? How long does it take? I've already accepted the fact that I butchered my warranty, but I'd like a better idea, from those who have done extensive transmission work, how much this will cost and how much time it will take.

The vehicle is a 2014 GSR with 19,000 kms.

 

Did you actually find a snapped cable? I find it hard to believe any cable would actually be snapped. Look under the hood inspect the cables. Maybe a bushing came loose, or maybe something is binding. I have installed plenty of under hood and shifter bushings. I have never had an issue but could see how one could perhaps miss a "c" clip or not install the bushing all of the way. Take pictures man, let us see what you are working with.