Hard to get into 1st and 2nd

[RustedRanger]

Most times my 5 speed is easy to shift......sometimes it doesn't want to go into 1st or 2nd gear and I almost have to force it. After it does this a couple times it's fine. It seems to do it after I drive to town,stop somewhere and then go to leave. The trans itself seems fine,it acts like it's the shifter. Anyone else have this happen? What can I do about it?

 

[Earl43P]

Pumping the clutch pedal sometimes helps.

Sounds like your slave cylinder is going out, but it could also be the master.

Did it start doing this with the colder weather? If so, I suspect the slave (or master). You should also verify it's full of ATF.

 

[Earl43P]

Pumping the clutch pedal sometimes helps.

Sounds like your slave cylinder is going out, but it could also be the master.

Did it start doing this with the colder weather? If so, I suspect the slave (or master). You should also verify the transmission is full of ATF.

 

[RustedRanger]

The lube level in trans is fine. It doesnt seem like the clutch because when it messes up it will still go into the other gears fine. It feels like its something in the shifter itself. I have had loads of cars but very very few with manual transmissions.

 

[snoopdoggie]

How's it shift into 1st and 2nd when the motor is not running? If fine, then it is the hydraulics.

 

[RustedRanger]

When it "sticks" it dont matter if running or not.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

is the shifter sloppy? check to see if it will go into reverse with engine running easily, if so that eliminates hydraulics and the pressure plate.

if the shifter is sloppy it could be as easy as replacing shift bushings. what happens is the shift bushing break up into pieces and fall into the shift gates.. blocking the shifter from doing its job

 

[snoopdoggie]

If shifter is sloppy lift up on it and try it.

 

[RustedRanger]

Usually shifting into reverse is easy with it running,sometimes its hard but not often. Thanks for the info. Sloppy.....uh..... most of my cars and trucks have been automatics. This is only the second vehicle I have driven alot with a manual, I'll try lifting up on the shifter next time it does it,thanks.