won't stay in reverse

I have a 2001 2.4l standard alero. The car runs great except for some reason it won't stay in reverse. I have had the car for some time and all of the sudden it wouldn't stay in reverse. I am able to go in reverse although i have to put constant pressure in the shifter while i do this. if i don't it will pop out of reverse. I am not sure but it seem to have to do with the reverse lock(the thingy you pull up on to get into reverse). I can pull it up and get it into reverse but it will not click into revese and stay there. once i push it in forcefully and hold it there reverse works great so i don't think its the tranny. but it might have to do with the linking. if any one could give me insight on whats wrong or how to fix it I would really appreciate it. thanks.

John

Did you find out what was the problem? My car (2002 Alero) is doing the samething now.

It could be the spring thing that is connected to the button that you push in to shift gears. I think that would be it.