1st gear wont engage.

[RedDragon66]

So a week ago I bought a 99 protégé with a 5 spd and 1st gear doesn't work 99% of the time. It usually just grinds when I let go of the clutch when I try to engage 1st. I've gotten it to work 3-4 times, but I don't know how. All the other gears work perfectly fine. So whats going on with my trans?

[dadio4]

First thing I would check is your brake fluid reservoir. It is also the fluid for your clutch master cylinder, which creates the hydraulic pressure to disengage the clutch when you push in on the clutch pedal. If its low that could be a problem. It could also need to be adjusted, or bled. You could search the forum for all the possibilities for the shifting problem. Most indicate probable issue with clutch, either the master cylinder, or the throw out bearing worn down.(inside transmission)That should be replaced when clutch is replaced. Do you know much about any maintenance on the car?

[progt91]

If the shifter is really sloppy on the car. Fix that first. Sometimes if it's too sloppy it will not let it go into gear. Does it go into all the other gears no problem? What about reverse?

[RedDragon66]

First thing I would check is your brake fluid reservoir. It is also the fluid for your clutch master cylinder, which creates the hydraulic pressure to disengage the clutch when you push in on the clutch pedal. If its low that could be a problem. It could also need to be adjusted, or bled. You could search the forum for all the possibilities for the shifting problem. Most indicate probable issue with clutch, either the master cylinder, or the throw out bearing worn down.(inside transmission)That should be replaced when clutch is replaced. Do you know much about any maintenance on the car?

The fluid is full. The clutch is 3-4 years old with 50k+ miles. I bought the car from my neighbor and that's what he told me. I was thinking its the slave cylinder, so I called Napa and they are going to get me one.

If the shifter is really sloppy on the car. Fix that first. Sometimes if it's too sloppy it will not let it go into gear. Does it go into all the other gears no problem? What about reverse?

It doesn't seem sloppy, but idk how I'd tell. All the other gears work great, even reverse. No trouble going into them.

[FE3-323]

Check your transmission fluid level. low fluid makes for difficult shifting

[RedDragon66]

Check your transmission fluid level. low fluid makes for difficult shifting

Is there a dipstick for that? I looked the other day but could only find the oil dipstick. I probably over looked it.

[FE3-323]

you need to pull out the speedo gear & check the fluid level there

[RedDragon66]

Where's that at?

[FE3-323]

rear side of the transmission ~right below the throttle body

[RedDragon66]

Awesome thank you sir.