gear lever stiff

My throttle looks the same as yours, quite a few years ago mine had the opposite problem, too "loose" so the throttle would move when not held. The Volvo guy at the time removed the cover and made an adjustment which was then perfectly set-up. So all I can say is, check that first before the cables, you may just need to change the tension. Sorry but I can't remember how he did it.
 
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