from a dead stop at a light my car is a pain to get in gear

[americanbulldog]

when im at a light,and i have the car in N.then i goto put it in first it dont let me it feels like some thing is pushing back.then if i muscle it,then it will go in gear.what could cause that.
becouse its a pain in the ass when im at a light and the light changed and i struggle to get it in gear.

[drew300]

New problem?
Maybe the clutch isn't disengaging all the way.
I found this problem in most manuals I've driven. I usually (at a stop) pull it into 2nd, then into 1st. I think it helps to align the gears and it usually pops right into 1st. But sometimes the gears still seems to be "tooth on" , and it's stiff.
You can also try letting the clutch out in neutral, pushing down again and then try for 1st. With the input shaft turning, the snychros will allow it to engage well.

[samprix]

Check hydraulic fluid in clutch reservoir and clutch adjustment

[saturnspeed_12]

common problem is shift cables. the ends on the selector housing (on trans) can get frayed/stretched and cause problems. the other problem is the middle cable on the shifter can get bent right where it is bolted down to the shifter. it can develope a bend right there and cause problems going in and out.

on alot of vehicles though, the synchro wont be lined up very well so it can be rough. so will slowly rolling up to a stop, put it in first (clutch disengaged) and hold it there till you stop, then you can pull it out so you dont hold the clutch at the stop. unless its a stop sign. this normally will relieve the problem as it will line up usually.

the other thing i do, in every car im in, is shift between first and second when it feels tight and starts to loosen a bit.

[americanbulldog]

my car is a 5 speed manual

[saturnspeed_12]

i know. i gave out typical problems to shifting issues with them. ive personally dealt with both problems.

[ksion15]

sounds like a problem with the synchronizer,

[BackseatJesus]

I have this same exact problem, i just bought my 98 SC and its been a hassle since i bought it, with the struggling to get it in gear and bad valve cover gaskets... i feel your pain, im going to look into the cables though, apparently you know more than the dealer mechanics... I HATE DEALERSHIPS!

[americanbulldog]

if you have the shaking,so far i replaced the top engine mount,and the lower trans mount,and that reduced the shaking dramaticlly.now it trys to get bad but the new mounts stop it.now i am in the middle of replacing the 2 torque struts,and that will stop the shaking completly,you should check them.and i here you about the gasket.i did mine many times.shits hard.the civic i sold was easy pop off then pop on.this is pop off pop on apply rtv.and so on.a pain.but let meknow how everything turns out.

and if you have a hard times getting it in gear,thats usually the hydrualic system.and if not that then the pressure plate is bad, or the clutch fork is bent