transaxle selector problem

[White Anthony <anthony.white@domain.elided>]

Hi all,
 
Was out for a hard and fast drive last night, when I lost fifth gear.  It just disappeared.  I was shifting from the third-fourth plane into the fifth-reverse plane, and there was no forward position.  Shifted down and up through the box a couple of times, and eventually found a fifth gear position, but it felt like I was pushing into fifth against a block of rubber or something.  Also, as I pushed it into fifth, the lever slanted across to the left, where third is.  
 
It was cold and dark, so I didn't go poking around underneath.  
First through fourth are all selecting properly.  
Has anyone else had similar problems with a transaxle car?  
Feel like taking a stab at long distance diagnosis?  
 
Kind regards,
Anthony
'85 116 Giulietta
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided