Reverse/Neutral Lockout Issues

Ran car for first time the other day and had inconsistencies with the Reverse/Neutral lockout pin. It was almost impossible to pull the black t-bar out. I also found that i could sometimes get to neutral and reverse without pulling the black t-bar at all. Read a few other threads on this but wanted to post for some additional feedback. My guess here is that the lockout pin is stuck OPEN in the back of the transmission. We cannot push the arm mechanism forward at all which is why i'm guessing it's stuck open.

Questions:

1. Would you agree in this assessment?

2. How do I inspect this mechanism to correct the issue and/or how do i properly take it apart?

3. Any other items i should be concerned with or checking given this is occurring?



Thanks

Bill Saltenberger