i took my original shifter off because i was putting a new one on. my old ones cap came off. so when i was taking it off, this plastic part in the middle broke, and now every time i go to change gears i have to get needle nose pryers and pull the plastic part up and then i can shift gears. does anyone know what this is called and how i can fix it?

 

Sounds like you need to replace the shifter. Other than the solenoid I dont think there are any servicable parts for it