Shifter troubles. Please help

I have a 95 escort 5 speed 1.9 115K miles.

The engine is still in great shape, but it's a pain in the butt to shift gears. The physical shifter seems bogged down and takes a lot to get it in gear. Even in neutral the play is very labored and tight. It's like shifting through a jar of peanut butter.

The gears never grind, the pickup is good, not much (if any) slipping under hard accelleration.

Also, how often are we supposed to change transmission fluid?

Doesn't sound like trans fluid numan. It sounds like the slave cylinder needs to be replaced, at 115k the clutch probably needs replacing as well. I've got 146k on my '93 and i've never changed the fluid. You should have them both looked at.

Doesn't sound like trans fluid numan. It sounds like the slave cylinder needs to be replaced, at 115k the clutch probably needs replacing as well. I've got 146k on my '93 and i've never changed the fluid. You should have the clutch looked at.

Excellent, thanks!