I can only get shifted into 1st when I just jam it in. Reverse is much more difficult, the gears make a high pitch whine or grind, but can be forced in.

Once you get it into gear, it works fine. No slippage or anything like that.

I have bled the hydraulic system, and adjusted the shifting cables.

Any ideas would be great. And any way to rule out any other problems would be cool too.

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'85 Fiero Sport Coupe
'95 Pontiac Grand AM SE

I have a similar problem. 1st gear is getting really notchy (is that a word?). Easy to slip 1/2 way into gear, but takes a little clutch movement to get it in all the way. Reverse seems to be the same. Almost always grinds going into reverse, too. Hmmm. Gotta figure this one out without involving the shop.

MM

it happens to me too. always have to push the clutch in twice to get it in to 1st or rev. and it always grinds gerring into rev.

I'd be intrested in this also. I have the same problem. I can get all 4 gears fine going up and can get into 1st fine if the car is sitll rolling but if i stop I have trouble getting into 2nd or1st and reverse. Not always but some. Haynes said there is a shim on the shift mech to line up 1st and 2nd but I can't find it.

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When this happens, the clutch isn't disengaging completely.

With the car stopped and the engine running depress the clutch (all the way) and put the shifter into first; pull the shifter out of first and twiddle your thumbs (keep the clutch down) for about 10-15 seconds, then try to put the shifter in reverse. If it grinds, then your clutch is not disengaging completely

Read this http://www.v8archie.com/arch7.htm

Archie

I had the same problem in my 85. I just adjusted the shifter/cable. I bought a haynes manual and it shows you how to do it. It involves a couple of drill bits you fit into holes on your shifter, and then you adjust your cable. If someone else would like to elaborate on this...

Also, with my clutch...
My clutch was always hard to engage (pushed right down to the floor) so all i did was weld a 1/2 inch piece of metal shaft onto the clutch pedal/shaft. If raised the clutch peadl 1/2 an inch and cured my problems. And yes I have the steel replacement.

OK, well I already adjusted the shifter cables and they are to the maximum setting. Adjusted all the way on the excess cable. I will take a look at the pedal though, it does seem to hit the floor when I push it in before it starts to release.

Archie thanks I'm going to try some of the stuff on your website too. There is a really good idea on how to check for hydrolic leaks there.

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'85 Fiero Sport Coupe
'95 Pontiac Grand AM SE