Losing first gear.

[Kind Panda]

Been having trouble selecting first gear - the gear stick is impossible to get into the slot at times. After a while it loosens up and is freely manoeuvrable but seems to be intermittent (the car still moves in second gear). Can anyone point me in the right direction on possible fixes? 

[HartmannX]

Been having trouble selecting first gear - the gear stick is impossible to get into the slot at times. After a while it loosens up and is freely manoeuvrable but seems to be intermittent (the car still moves in second gear). Can anyone point me in the right direction on possible fixes? 

 

What model/engine??

[Kind Panda]

3 hours ago, HartmannX said:

 

What model/engine??

It's a 1.8 VVTi Petrol manual.

[Konrad C]

The first thing I would look at is the transmission fluid - may need changing. The level and condition of the fluid, can be checked by opening the filler plug. On a level ground, open using a large 24mm socket. some fluid should drip out. If not then top up, but if the fluid looks old and dirty, then it would be better to drain, and refill with clean fluid. The filler is at the front whilst the drain plug is below the nearside drive shaft. It also need a 24mm socket.

Next is the hydraulics. Check for leaks at both master and slave cylinders. Does the pedal firm up after repeated presses, making gear selection easy?

The worst scenario is if after the above have been done, is the fault lies with the first gear synchromesh! Not good. 

I forgot about the selector system. Hopefully the transmission fluid fixes the problem. 

Edited May 28, 2017 by Konrad C
grammar correction, additional info