16 for use in system control the position of the gearshift lever 32 with respect to the y axis in the gearshift pattern slot 48 is detected by a potentiometer 72 best illustrated in fig5 secured to a face of the second support plate 56 the potentiometer 72 is secured via its axis to one end of a third arm 74 which has its other end rotatably connected to one end of a fourth arm 76 the other end of the fourth arm 76 is rotatably connected to a pivot location on a member 78 that is secured in stationary position with respect to the housing wall 68 in this manner movement of the gearshift lever 32 in the y direction within the shift pattern 34 will cause rotation of the axis of the potentiometer 72 thereby providing a signal from the potentiometer 72 indicating the y axis position of the gearshift lever 3 this position information is electrically communicated from the potentiometer 72 to the control unit 16 for use in system control the control plate 63 extends downward from its connection with the shaft 66 to provide a base for a detent plate 82 that is connected thereto the detent plate 82 includes a set of several semicircular detents 83a 83b and 83c see.