I have to fight to get my car into 1st gear. Help!?

Question

This usually happens when stopped at a light or something. Starting hasn't been a problem. It automatically slips into 3rd when stopped for a period of time. What could it be? I have just moved to a new area and haven't found a good mechanic yet. Don't want to get ripped off. I would like to have some ideas before I see anyone.

Answer 1

Go to a Transmission specialist. They are in the phone book

Answer 2

Depending on the Make and Model of your vehicle there are several different diagnoses available. In this case it could be your first gear synchronizers have gone bad. Meaning the that the little teeth on the sychronizers are worn off chipped marred up whatever making it difficult to get in to gear while stopped, or while down shift to slow you may get a lot of grinding and then perhaps it will slip into gear. Worst case scenario is a rebuilt transmission.

Another possible solution pertaining to many cars but specifically to Volkswagen's, there are bushings on the shift linkages that start out round when they are new, and due to normal driving wear and tear the bushings can become egg shaped, and in worst case break an crack, make it difficult to get into first 5th and reverse on Volkswagen's, sometimes all gears on other vehicles.

Take your car to a local mechanic, introduce yourself, be honest, tell him/her what you think the problem may be, and ask them to drive the vehicle while your in it. Ask what they think it could be. Never let on that you don;t know anything about vehicles. Only state the problems your having, or symptoms.

Answer 3

Only a guess, bent shifting forks in the transmission,assuming it is a standard.>>>>year make model engine

Answer 4

Get a new transmission.

Answer 5

Year.
Make.
Model.

Would have been nice to know.