I was about to move forward with my Crosswind xto AT after a brief parking, when I felt, as I held the gearshift lever to move to D, that lever is loose.

I could easily move the lever from one end of gear selectors, from P to D. The lever felt as if it's no linger connected to the engine.

I turned off and restarted but the gearshift felt the same...loose. I put it at D and press the accelerator but no go.

I called a mechanic. He crawled under and then asked for some string. No time to lose since it was already evening, I gave my shoelace and afterwards, he motioned me to start the engine and the gearshift returned to normal.

The repair allowed me to go home (minus my shoelace but was glad) and I would bring the vehicle to the shop next day for a lasting repair.

My question is: What happened underneath the car that made the gearshift lever loose?