if it's kind of hard to put my car in 1st gear but all other gears are ok.

[holden j caufield]

only first gear is not smooth going in. All other gears are fine. I'm looking for the obviously the least labor intensive and cheapest solution. What would be the simplest things to check out first before I start having to pull out a helms manual

After 11 years, he's probably fixed the problem or ditched the car.
admin allisolm

 

[kt]

Does it make a grinding sound when you put it in first gear? If so, more than likely synchros.

 

[Raduque]

Is it always hard to get into first, or just say, when down shifting to come to a stop? I know my car is hard to get into first when downshifting to stop, it physically will not go into first over 15mph.

First thing I would try, even though all other gears are fine, is adjusting the clutch so that it engages sooner. Disc might be wearing down, and this'll help yo determine it.

 

[BUTCH1]

Sounds like a throwout bearing..Is there any "ringing" noise with clutch
depressed??

 

[Goosemaster]

IIRC, soemthing similar happened to my honda and peopel kept on mentioning those synchros

 

[FrustratedUser]

It's always difficult to get into 1'st while the car is rollong. It's made that way on purpose.

 

[holden j caufield]

I'm not rolling when this happens.

 

[funkymatt]

this happened in my VW. then one day there was a pop and my first gear was gone. maybe you should get it checked out by a trusted mechanic?

 

[BoomerD]

Sounds like your clutch. Either needs to be adjusted, or maybe replaced. Take it to a reputable shop for diagnosis.

 

[DainBramaged]

Try applying a little pressure to put the car into 1st gear, but not enough to force it in. While you are applying light pressure, slowly release the clutch. Does it slip in easier then?

 

[scott916]

Pump your clutch after the first time you try, often this corrects it. Usually if this happens after a stop its the mechanism that's designed to prevent you from dropping the car into first at speed. If after pumping the clutch once it still happens, I'd talk to a mechanic.

 

[CombatChuk]

Originally posted by: holden j caufield
only first gear is not smooth going in. All other gears are fine. I'm looking for the obviously the least labor intensive and cheapest solution. What would be the simplest things to check out first before I start having to pull out a helms manual

Blip the throttle to match the revs, that would help. The reason why it's so hard to put it in first gear while moving is because the syncro is spinning up the engine to match the gearing of first gear in the transmission. (In a lot of cars first gear has the engine spining 6-8 times per one rotatation of the wheel)

Edited for Clarity and my mad english skills.

 

[EPCrew]

Originally posted by: Raduque
Is it always hard to get into first, or just say, when down shifting to come to a stop? I know my car is hard to get into first when downshifting to stop, it physically will not go into first over 15mph.

First thing I would try, even though all other gears are fine, is adjusting the clutch so that it engages sooner. Disc might be wearing down, and this'll help yo determine it.

you should be able to get it in. you'll have to rev-match. there's really no need to downshift into first anyhow. to each his own.

 

[Ikeraam seat]

only first gear is not smooth going in. All other gears are fine. I'm looking for the obviously the least labor intensive and cheapest solution. What would be the simplest things to check out first before I start having to pull out a helms manual

Hi ther.thats what it does.polo classic 1998

 

[Smoblikat]

only first gear is not smooth going in. All other gears are fine. I'm looking for the obviously the least labor intensive and cheapest solution. What would be the simplest things to check out first before I start having to pull out a helms manual

Is it a Subaru? Thats prety normal, especially when moving. Try shifting into 2nd befoire you hit 1st.

 

[bruceb]

Does the car have a hydraulic clutch ? If it does check and top up the clutch reservoir. If it is low, my bet would be either a failing clutch master cylinder or bad clutch release cylinder (on the bell housing) ... If that is not it, depending on the cars mileage it may be time for a new clutch and throw out bearing. A clutch that does not fully release when depressed will cause the issue you are seeing. Be prepared to either pull the tranny yourself or have a reputable shop work on it.

 

[BoomerD]

Guys...the thread is from 2006...I'd be surprised if the OP hasn't resolved the problem by now...

 

[bruceb]

Did not bother to check that, as someone a couple of posts above me had resurrected this thread.