Problems with first gear

Loughton_Lass

My teenage daughter has an 11 year old Dawoo Matiz and recently she's been having problems getting it into first gear (and occasionally second), as it's really stiff and you need to really ram it in. It now seems to be happening more frequently and I'm concerned about her breaking down, as she's planning her first long(ish) trip next weekend.

Once in gear, it runs fine, so I'm not sure whether this is a clutch or gear box problem and whether it's worth repairing. Any advice? Thanks.

Delivery_Driver

Does she have car mats in the front?I'd check they're not sliding too far under the pedals 1st as I've had similar issues before caused by a mat under the clutch pedal.
If its not that then it sounds like it may be the synchros.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

gear linkage.. have linkage changed problem solved verry common problem if its only just started the sycro's should be fine they get damaged after time of ramming into gear though be warned..

Loughton_Lass

We took out the car mats earlier in the week, as that was our first thought too.

If it is the linkage, is that something we can do ourselves, or will I need to take it to a mechanic?

atrixblue.-MFR-.

Loughton_Lass wrote: »

We took out the car mats earlier in the week, as that was our first thought too.

If it is the linkage, is that something we can do ourselves, or will I need to take it to a mechanic?

not a hard job but can be fiddley, daewoo is now chevrolet, wich i think a better more modified linkage is available from. if youve never done before just get a mechy to do it for you.

Loughton_Lass

Many thanks, will get it checked out next week. LL