Shifting is difficult in 1st and 2nd

Just got my Fiero. 1985, GT, manual, V6, 25,000 mi. It is very hard to get into 1st or 2nd from a standstill. Sometimes I have to start out in 3rd to get moving. I usually put it into 1st before I stop because most of the time I can't get it into gear otherwise.

It also grinds when shifting into 4th gear. And I have to hit it very hard left to get it into reverse. Any ideas on what's wrong? I know nothing about manual transmissions, I always drove automatics.

You need to stop driving the car right now and check the transmission fluid. If it's low (and I am betting it will be), refill with 5w30 oil. Do NOT use transmission fluid. The Fiero manual trans uses plain old oil, just like the engine.

Check the fluid level is fairly easy, but you must also be carefull.

Park the car, engine off, remove the bracket holding the speedo sensor on. Carefully pull STRAIGHT UP on the speedo sensor. If you do anything but straight up, you will likely loose the speedo drive gear. Fluid should be between the two lines/detents on the speedo sensor drive shaft.

You also will want to check the clutch slave travel, which should be about 1".