i was wondering if anyone else has a slight problem with their first gear shifting. here is my problem: it is hard to shift into first unless i am almost completely stopped. i have drove many other 5 speed cars and none of them seemed to be like this. if i am moving at about 5-10 mph i cannot shift into first without it grinding. i have always thought that it was the synchros, but am not sure for this car specifically. i am almost positive that the shifter linkage is not bent, the car has never been wrecked, etc...
also i wanted to know this for sure before i take it in to those punks at nissan and they say, "well it just shifts that way, they all are like that."

one more thing, if you guys overwhelmingly suggest that the problem is the transmission, how would i get Nissan to take me seriously and fix it. the car is still under warranty for another 4,000 miles

thanx alot,
dan

1998 sentra SE manual transmission

That is a pretty normal comment. With some practice at rev-matching and a good fluid (Redline MT-90 is one), you'll be able to shift into first easier while moving.

well, it pretty much does "just shift that way". My car does and always has been a little tough to get into first. It's easiest if you rev match. Haven't grinded... but maybe that's because I rev match?

Khiem

Yeah blip the throttle, and it will slip in nice. Don't ever force it in.

if you can't find it grind it...no wait, that's for something else. :D

yes the trannies on our cars aren't, eh, top notch (now an N1, that's a tranny!!). like everyone else aid, bring yer RPMs up a lil' bit and the shifter WILL go in. i get frustrated when i go from reverse to first 'cause i do the 1st gear crunch and it's not fun. :(

Yeah, mine does this too. I didn't think anything was wrong with it though. I guess now I know too how to get it into 1st without having to come to a stop :D thanks!

just shift it into 2nd.

My 98 SE did the same thing. Check to see if you have a torn rear motor mount. I did the tranny fluid and it helped but still had a problem. Noticed the torn rear mount the other day. Just replaced the mount and it is almost perfect now.

Steve

My car does this as well, just like everyone else said, just rev match it and you will be able to slip it in with little effort, if its not really necessary though, i would just shift into second, because if its hard to get in, then that usually means you can go into second at the speed you are traveling without any sluggish acceleration.

I can put mine in 1st at 40 km/h!! :D

Just rev it enough, and it will go in no problem

Your not supposed to use first gear like that. Your fucking your shit up by doing that. First is supposed to be used for takeoff and that's it. If you keep doing what your doing you can expect to be constantly working on your trans. And those parts ain't cheap.

exactly, it's not a good idea to downshift into first!!! The ES mounts combined with synthetic tranny oil works wonders

the only way that shifting into first while rolling would cause any more wear is if youre pushing really hard and grinding it, that will screw up the synchros, but if you double clutch, your doing the work of the synchros, so no harm is done

Thank you!!