96 SL1 Can't get into First Gear

SL1 5 spd - 85,000 Miles. When I drive I can shift into any gear easily except 1st gear. I read at a few different places if you can't get it into First you will have trouble with reverse, but there is no trouble. I can get into first if I am still slowly moving I can slip into first with a little grinding. Does this mean I need a new clutch or is something loose?? It drives nice and smooth other than that, and I can skip first gear by starting in 2nd. Any help would be appreciated!

can you shift into first when stoped?

No, it feels as if something is blocking it from getting engaged.

i know the feeling, since it still grinds, i doubt its the synrco. i have heard of others with simular problems, replaced the clutch and all was well. you may want to get a second opition, post on saturnfans.com

One last question, how much and how hard is it to replace the clutch myself. (My experience is limited but I have done minor work including Replacing Alternator, Tune Up...) versus mechanic?
Thanks for everything, and I will post on SaturnFans. -Mike

i haven't done a clutch job before, but there are a few how-tos on saturnfans.

hmm...i had the same problem in my car...except my car is a 5-speed 89 Maxima. turned out the trans was shot which in turn burned out the clutch. it was almost impossible to get into first, then sometimes when i did get it into first, sometimes when i was makin a u-turn, it would pop back out. i hope its not the trans...but it could be...