how do you adjust the gearshift 4 a manual trans 96 escort.it has excessive play?

Answer 1

On this model car, it has a plastic insert in the lower part of the shifter where it goes into the transmission and can be replaced fairly simple. Just go to the dealer and get the part, they can also give you a printout of the exploded view, so you can follow that as an example.

Answer 2

It's not an adjustment, it's a worn out part. You have to follow the shift linkage and find what's loose.