It is hard to get into first a lot of time at stops. If I get it into third and then come back to first, it will go in, but if I just try to go straight to first gear, at stops, a lot of times it is tough to do, and I dont force it... insteadI go to thrid gear and back to first...

From what I have read here, it is more likely that it is the synchros than the clutch? That would mean a tranny rebuild to rebuild the synchros... Of course while in there, I would have the clutch done too...

Brefore I do all of that I think Ill being it somewhere and have the tranny oil changed...

Oh one other thing. Is it common for these cars to need to adjust the clutch pedal after a while? I was thinking maybe that would solve the problem of getting into first gear.

Should I get it flushed too?
Also, what is the best oil fro the tranny?
When I had my old 1970 BMW, I used redline MTL in the tranny.

Thanx, Lance
2005 Stratus Coupe 77,800 miles

 

no experience with the stratus 5 speed.
Same thing happened with my 04 cavalier though. the warrenty company replaced the tranny, but my mechanic took the faulty one apart, and it was the plastic tips on the sync's that was worn out. first was difficult to get into for a while, then one day, it would "reject" second gear, spitting it back into neutral. A rebuild is most likely in order, although the part that is worn out isn't really expensive (at least on a cavalier it's not).

Good luck with it

 

Thanx for that lead. That possibility makes total sense-

Synchro problem- It aint to bad though really, can shift 90% of time. Wish I could drive one that is surely shifting rigth to feel the difference. Im pretty sure it should be pretty much more smoothly shifting though.

I maybe have it rebuilt for preventative maintenance eventually lol-