I have an 02 stratus rt with 2.4 ltr. 5 speed that is now very hard to shift into first gear. Clutch seems fine and will go into any other gear except first, unless you use a "little" force. I did top off the clutch fluid which was low, but didn't make a difference. The car does have 170,000 miles, original owners and have not abused it.Could this be a linkage problem or the start of a clutch failure maybe? Looking for a direction to go with this and any help or input would be appriciated.

 

I'd check linkage for binding ect ... clutch normally starts slipping in high gears then gets worse

 

thanks I will try that first. That does seem/feel like what is going on... thanks again...

 

1st gear sees the most use. prob the syncros wearing out, rebuild is the only fix. you could try takeing it to the local quick oil change and getting the fluid changed out, this might help. after so many miles some "sludge" has more than likely built up (clould be an issue). you can try daining and replacing a quart of gear oil with ATF fluid in the tranny. DO NOT DRIVE MORE THAN 3 MILES. the thinner lube of the ATF will help break down the "sludge". drain and flush with new gear fluid. my best advice is to get used to starting in 2nd gear. happy motoring.