I have a 2006 manual transmission. Today when i went to shift into first the car made a grinding sound so i immediately released the clutch and put it in neutral. When i attempted to shift into first again there was no resistance on the shifter lever. Then i notice the shifter moves freely without pushing in the clutch pedal. Where should i start looking to repair this issue? I was thinking the transmission linkage could be the possible culprit. Are there any videos that might help?

 

The shifter is cable controlled . Lift the console cover and check to see if the cable broke or popped out of the bracket

https://parts.islandgm.com/p/Chevrol.../15277760.html

 

The cables are still connected. I can see the end underneath the hood by the transmission and they move when the shifter is moved. When the shifter is in the first gear position, i can push it to the left with no resistance as if it was in neutral. Is my transmission toast?

 

In the words of the great Bugs Bunny…. Ah, could be!!
something broken inside the gear box.