97 saturn wont shift into second

[survivor40]

I have a 97 saturn manual trans and second gear has a problem, when shifting from any gear into second the trans grinds and is hard to get into second. when idling it will shift into second smoothly but under load I have to shift it hard and it grinds before going into second. I have been driving it without using second but would like to know what it may be.

thanks

[sierrap615]

athought the shifter cables or shifter housing may be at fault(they would more likey affect severial gears), a worn syncro is the most likely cause, and can only be replaced by removing and dismantaling the trans