I have a '97 Volvo S40 and I am having a lot of problems getting it to
go into 1st, 2nd and reverse gears.  I can get into first by lifting
the reverse latch and putting the gearstick through the motion of
going into reverse.  Getting into reverse is very difficult, it
requires a fair bit of force and it feels as if it is further over to
the left than it should.  It almost feels like there is a guiding
plate which has slipped slightly to the left and that is why I am
having difficulty changing gears.  Does anybody know if this is a big
job? Or can I do it myself?
Many Thanks
Allan