Locked out of 1st gear.

[deathkeeper]

I was coming home today from running some errands in my 1991 240sx when I got into some heavy rain. There was no problem at all until I got to a stop light and once I gas stopped I could not get back into 1st gear. I tried going into any other gear and it would go in without a problem, so I said screw it and took off from the light in 2nd and did the same at all other lights. When I got home and pulled into the driveway I had no luck getting back into 1st, so I cut it off and left it in 2nd with the e-brake on. An hour later I came back out, check all the fluids, looked for leaks, and tried it again. This time it effortlessly glided into first.

Any ideas? Just two days ago my power locks also died. I have checked all of the fuses on the driver's side panel, but have not touched those under the hood.

[Bryants95240sx]

i have trouble getting mine in first from time to time i just rev the engine a bit and it goes in. i dont know exactly why you wouldnt be able to get it into first at thought unless maybe the gate was messed up but if that was the case you wounldnt be able to use 2nd either if im correct.maybe it was just a fluke i know other 240s are to get into first also at times

[corn322]

yeah, happens to me too from time to time. usually reverse gear though. I just let off the brake and roll a little bit, then it goes right in.

[tar0icy_w/tapioca]

could it be the syncros messing up???, because the syncros have a lock on it where u can't shift in to first if u r rolling at 10m/hr+, but i get around that by reving my engine up to around 2000rpm, if not then i'm all ears

[4cefed]

If you are at a stop and having trouble going into first. Go to second, then back to first. 1st and 2nd cogs are usually next to each other so selecting 2nd may move the synchro for 1st enough to engage. At least I think it's something like that... on other transmissions.... or I could be full of crap. Just try it.

[KRUZNBY]

I have a problem getting into 1st or rev occasionally. It happens more trying to get in reverse. I find if I let out the clutch slowly with some pressure on the shifter going into reverse, it will slide in after I let out the clutch about an 1-2 inches. I had a VW where I had to use 3rd gear just to move the car ever so much, and then I could get it into 1st.

[deathkeeper]

Update -

No problems at all today. Might have just been a fluke, but I think I will change the transmission fluid in a few days or so. Wanna see how many pieces of gear and/or syncro I get out.

[benemorius]

It's a common enough problem, and is due the syncros. They aren't doing their job of meshing the gears and you are pushing tooth to tooth. It is most common in reverse, but happens in 1st as well. You rarely see it in any other gear as the car is normally rolling when you shift to them.

Next time it happens, just keep the pressure on the stick as you pretend to take off normally. Right as the clutch begins to engage, the stick will drop into first and it will feel like a normal take-off so long as you are being gentle.