Sticky Shifter
 

Just this week I noticed my shifter doesn't always center itself like it used to. If I push it to the left (between 1 and 2), sometimes it just sits there and doesn't return to center. Same thing when pushing it to the right (between 5 and 6). I read some suggestions on the forum and I plan on taking apart the shifter assembly this weekend to do a visual inspection. I plan on looking for rust at the rod linkage and checking for any lubrication issues. Any other advice on what to look for would be appreciated as this issue is affecting my shifts from 2-3 and downshifts from 5-4. I rely on the self-centering of the stick when performing these shifts, I have to pay extra attention now that it doesn't self-center.

I've never felt this but the external links are pretty simple. If either of the links is sticky, the gear selector may not be clearing the shift gate. Does it re-center if you jiggle fore-aft?

I think you're on the right path with just getting underneath it to inspect.

Time to upgrade to MTEC Shift Spring Kit

Agreed - it really helped with 5->4 aggressive downshifts for me and improved 2->3 upshifts and helped moving between 3rd and 4th with confidence.

On the other hand, OP might be having an actual issue, if the shifter won't return to center in neutral... Or could the OEM springs be that weak?

I haven't had time yet to get underneath the shift boot, but just a few days ago it was a bit warm outside (10C) and I noticed the issue wasn't as pronounced that day. The temperature has dropped since (1C today) and it's more apparent again. I wonder what the correlation suggests.

Spring is coming and it's time to get underneath it. ;)