Noob Question! I took out the tranny from my 06 evo 9 mr. wanted to test if the tranny was really stuck (5th gear) or if it was just the shift linkage or whatnot. pretty sure i did it right though. just want to double check if there was actually a right way to do it. also, suggestions on how to get it out of gear before i bring out a sledge hammer are welcomed.

 

Hi, I just did the same check because 1st, 3th and 5th was not working correctly, it feels like a rubber inside, so I decided to check it after 15days.
My impression was the cable, others says it was the "gear selector", so checking the gears outside all looks ok, so I take out the central console, then unplug the cables and my BIG surprise was the "shifter cable" was broken just 1 inch inside the rubber cover, no way to be detected by a faster car check by mitsu agency (they never unplug nothing), I pull it and tan tan the shifter was in my hand. (will upload the pics later)

So my recommendation, check first the gear box, how it feels, if all go in/out perfect, check clutch, cables out side under the hood.
Then if all sound, feels, like normally it is.... go inside, take central console out and check the shifter / lines / plugs, unplug your cables (make some marks to avoid move the adjustment) and pull/move it.

Be happy and enjoy... my experience return big surprise, maybe yours will be better.

 

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If you have it out of the car try to move the gear selector at the top. If you can't move it you should get a rebuild.

 

It should freely move throughout gears regardless of weather it's installed or not. Give it a wirl, if you have any doubts beyond that, play it safe and have it gone through.