How to tighten loose shifter lever on 2004 Malibu ls

The shifter on your 2004 VTX1800C should be tight enough to prevent any wobbling or free play, but not so tight that it restricts the movement of the shifter.
If the bolt that attaches the shifter to the plate is not tightening properly, you may need to replace the bolt or the shifter assembly itself. It's important to use the correct torque specifications when tightening the bolt to prevent over-tightening or under-tightening.
If you're not comfortable working on your motorcycle yourself, it's recommended to take it to a certified mechanic for inspection and repair.

It's probably a loose or worn part in the mechanism attached to the shift lever or its bushings. Sometimes, you can inspect these from the top by removing the console/trim and flexible boot; otherwise, you'll have to get under the vehicle and try to figure out the problem. Try checking w/ an online forum for your make and model for more specific advice. If it's just a loose connection, use medium-strength thread-locker before tightening so it doesn't come loose again.

Sounds more like a linkage issue. Try tightening the linkage links, replacing any loose bushings. (The detents, or stopping points, on the shift lever have little do do with the shift lever.)

Inspect Linkage between shifter and transmission. Determine where the sloppy looseness is. Replace sloppy linkage parts if transmission lever is not loose. Pray you don't need to have shifter leverage (inside transmission) repaired.

You mention the knob on the shifter is loose. Do you remember if the knob has always been loose or is this recent? I ask because I thought there was a button to push or a lever to lift to move the shifter into or out of R and P. So that you might not accidentally push the shifter into either of those settings and possibly damage the mechanism. If there is a lever or button, it might be that the button or lever doesn't fully disengage when you press it BECAUSE the knob on the shifter is loose. You might need to tighten the knob. Might need hex keys / Allen keys or small screwdrivers to tighten the knob. good luck.

the linkage has slipped and is not in the notch on the shift lever so slide he shift lever into place then tighten the bolt down so it will hold the shifter on the trasnmisson, this is caused by a loose nut on the shifter nut.

If this is a 04 f150 on the column ,under the dash at the shift cable there is a bracket on the shift tube, that has 2 torx bit bolts that get loose, tighten the bolts and the concern will be fixed

2004 chevy malibu maxx LS, the gas tank holds exactly 16.10 gals.hope this helps.

This may be similar to the full size Ford shifter. If so, if you can access under the steering column, there is a connection flange on the shift linkage, There are two allen screws attaching the shift lever with a matching flange that attaches to the remainder of the shift linkage. The screws may have come loose and /or fallen out. With a little bit of finesse you'll be able to reinstall and tighten the screws... this should tighten your shifter back up...

If it is an Automatic, there is only one cable that goes to the transmission. If it is a manual, there should be two. You will have to disconnect the cable from under the hood, and see if the levers are loose there. If they are, it might be as simple as tightening them back down. If not, the trans may need a rebuild.