I have read multiple threads on the forums and have not found my exact problem so hoping someone can help. In the mornings, when the car is STARTED, particularly when it is cold it is not possible to put the transmission in first or second or reverse and only sometimes in third fourth or 5th. It is worth noting that with the car OFF, I can easily put it in any gear.
the unusual thing to me is as the car warms up as I drive it gets easier and easier to shift into every year until it feels completely normal.
I have not bleed the hydraulic system but I did replace old fluid with new fluid via turkey baster method in the master cylinder reservoir.
considering changing the manual gearbox oil to GM synchromesh FM or Amsoil but wondering if there's something else I missing? Many thanks for help in advance.

 

A few possibilities:

• Your clutch plate is becoming separated and is effectively dragging even when the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
• The MTF in your transmission is non-synthetic and when cold is too thick to allow the synchronizers to operate properly.
• Both of the above.

Recommended actions:

• Replace the MTF wiht ACDelco Synchromesh Friction Modified.
• If that doesn't solve the issue, then have your clutch replaced.
• Avoid using the Scamzoil MTF.

 

Thank you Horseshoez, will start with MT fluid replacement and go from there. Appreciate the quick reply!

 

MTF fluid should have no influence here. When the clutch is not engaged, the transmission internals should not be spinning and therefore the synchro shouldn't be in play when at a stop.

 

Did I misread the original post?

I believe he said when the engine was running and the transmission was cold, it was difficult to put the car into a low gear, even at idle. However, once the transmission is up to temperature the shifting is acceptable.

If I read it correctly, then the MTF can certainly be the issue.

 

I see your point...it just isn't how I interpreted the initial post. I read it that when cold, sitting still with the engine on, the car cannot be shifted into gear. That is not the fluid....that is more than likely clutch related. Now, if cold, and in motion and having difficulty shifting, that is where I lean towards MTF issues. Engine on or not, sitting still when cold would have the same behavior if it were MTF issues. The difference in the original post was if the engine was running or not. The fact that there is a difference leads me to think it relates to spinning parts.....which is the clutch.