Blade engagement lever/plate/cable

I have a YTH21K46 that the blade engagement lever just moves freely. I've looked at the diagram of it and the cable is connected to the plate. It all seems to be with the lever itself as the plate, cable, nothing moves or even tries to move when I move the lever except that the lever flops around now. The diagram does not show how the lever attaches to the plate though. Where the lever connects to the plate under the dash, the looped cotter type pin is still intact and it spins with the lever as well. I can't figure out what connects the lever to the plate and how it engages the blades??? (yes, I'm a blonde female) Is it all one piece that is welded and the weld gave?? Do I need a whole new lever/plate??