I have a Chevy Cavalier 2000 and it is hard to shift into first. Other gears are ok and it runs fine.?

Question

Once in first it runs fine. A friend told me it may be the shifting forks but i don't know what those are and if it is an expensive fix. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I own a shop, and you need to try this; With the transmission in neutral, start the engine, push in the clutch and go right away to reverse without hesitation. Did it scrap when going into gear? If so, then the clutch isn't working as it should be. When the clutch is worn it will be hard to get into first gear also. It could be the brass ring in the first gear syncro is broke, or worn out, but in most cases your symptoms are related to the clutch, the slave cylinder, the brake master cylinder, or just needing fluid, and or bleed to get the air out of the system. Have a transmission shop take a look at it, and get an estimate for the repairs. This way you will know for sure, and most shops don't charge for the estimate. Many will if they don't get the job, so ask before you have them do anything. I have seen the wrong fluid in the transmission cause this problem too. The shifting forks only move it in and out of gear, so any problems with them, and it usually doesn't go all the way into gear causing it to jump out of gear. Forks do go bad, but on a 2000 year vehicle its not likely. Maybe on an older vehicle with a lot of miles on it.
Glad to help out, Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

Most likely cause is transmission gears are spinning and you feel them when you push the shifter into first gear. Try this engage 3rd and then put it in first If that's better you have a normal condition because that is how manual gear boxes work. You stated once the car is moving everything shifts fine. Some time just wait a second or two clutch in then engage first most the time hit 3rd stop the gears from spinning then engage 1st you will be OK. You will also notice if you engage reverse it will do the same, But most the time you clutch in then turn around to see and then engage reverse. Giving the gears that second ot two to slow down.

Answer 3

Generally, transmission fixes are not inexpensive fixes. Transmissions are patently complicated and expensive to repair.

You didn't mention your clutch, and it could be that the clutch is not completely disengaging the transmission from the motor, making it difficult to shift into 1st. Is it difficult when the engine/tranny is hot or cold or does it happen all the time? Your clutch may need adjustment.

That being said, you should change the gear oil in the transmission to see if it resolves the problem. I'd suggest either Amsoil Synthetic Manual Transmission oil, or Royal Purple Synthetic Manual Transmission oil.

Start with those two inexpensive options (clutch adjustment, new tranny oil) and see if that solves the problem. If it continues, it could be a syncro that is going.

Answer 4

This sounds like clutch plate wear. This is one of the places it starts to show up, the other is slipping when you accelerate. If I remember, your car has a hydraulic clutch that is not adjustable, unlike the machanical linkages. Yes, it can get expensive unless you have a friend with a wrench. In any case also change the pressure plate since the major labor cost is dropping the engine.

Answer 5

Sounds like you need a new or rebuilt transmission!!!! Just depends on what has been done to it, if nothing then you may want to look around for a good tranny shop. Are there any codes stored? Most likely if it is whining, thnigs are burnt inside & once things get burnt, its toast

Answer 6

It is either that or a bad synchro gear that is worn. The transmission must be removed to fix either one. Co to Amcco, Atlas or Cottman's transmissions. They do free diagnostics.

Answer 7

ya it might be very expensive so be ready to pay a pretty penny