So I bout a new z24 about a month ago
Well, now its hard as hell to get into fifth and reverse.
I literally have to slam it over and up.

Has anyone ever heard of this crap?
What is wrong with it?

Hard to tell exactly what you are experiencing by your description but the cables can sometimes just become worn out causing your issue (They no longer slide smoothly in the cable housings). Another thing I have seen is something getting jammed into the shift arms at the trans. (had a car come in with the same thing and there was a rag jammed up right where the cables attach to the trans). The little cable adjustment teeth can also get worn in the center counsel causing the cables to be out of adjustment They are like a little racheting system for adjustment (Jamming the shifter can make it worse). Just a few simple things to check. Really it's an easy diag if you know what you are looking and feeling for. Good luck



ASE Master Certified Automotive Technician

CaliforniaDomestics wrote:Hard to tell exactly what you are experiencing by your description but the cables can sometimes just become worn out causing your issue (They no longer slide smoothly in the cable housings). Another thing I have seen is something getting jammed into the shift arms at the trans. (had a car come in with the same thing and there was a rag jammed up right where the cables attach to the trans). The little cable adjustment teeth can also get worn in the center counsel causing the cables to be out of adjustment They are like a little racheting system for adjustment (Jamming the shifter can make it worse). Just a few simple things to check. Really it's an easy diag if you know what you are looking and feeling for. Good luck

X2.....I did have the same issue, was getting ready to buy another tranny...thought about it...it was cold as hell when it started this issue..I let the car idle for awhile then it went into the 2 gears fine...I drained my tranny fluid, was pretty low, and put in fresh fluid...shifts perfect now, minus wanting to get a short shifter..It also had an issuse going into second from 1st taking off..that issue was solved too.. Good luck with it..hope we helped




2003 Cavalier
Stock 2.2 Liter, 5 speed
" Leave the rice to Uncle Ben's and the wings to KFC..
Go clean or go home. "