Shift operating apparatus for an automatic transmission for a vehicle

In a linkage through which a manual selector is connected to a manual valve are a power unit and a connecting/disconnecting mechanism. In "P", "R", and "N", the connecting/disconnecting mechanism is connected and the power unit is made inoperative, whereby a movement of the manual selector is mechanically transmitted directly to the manual valve. In other shifts including manual shifts, the connecting/disconnecting mechanism is disconnected and the manual valve is operated directly by the power unit in accordance with positions of the selector lever.