Shifter problem
 

The shifter on my '04 S seems to be sticky when moving it from right to left and back - it moves fine front to back. Goes into and out of gears just fine, but when you move the shifter to the far right side in neutral (between 5th and 6th gears) it will stick there; the springs do not center the shifter when you let go of it.

Nothing grinds, it just feels like the bushings are gummed up. For example, the shift from 2nd to 3rd is smooth as the shifter moves forward out of 2nd, gets sticky when moving from left to right, and then goes smoothly into 3rd. Car has 95,000 miles -is this a sign the shifter just needs to be replaced? I would think it isn't a cable issue as the shifter moves forward and backward so smoothly. Thoughts?

There are 2 cables. One is controlled by forward and backward movement of the shifter, the other by side to side movement. It sounds like there's a worn bushing or broken spring related to one cable. You could pull out the console and check it out or order a new shifter. Many have replaced the original with a 997 or 997 short shifter and found that they're much smoother and don't feel as cheap.

The shifters are separate from the cables, correct? If one cable is bad, do you generally replace them both?

Yes, they're separate. I've never heard of anyone replacing a cable. Pelican parts has a DIY section on shifter replacement and you could view the details there including pictures of the offending parts!

i think you should also take a look at the transmission side.
the cables are connected to the transmission using a strange clip, that tends to pop out. if one of the cables is loose, it can affect the movement.
this is a pic of the clips, from the pelican website:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1382728190.jpg