Hard To Shift Manual Transmission in Cold Temperatures - keywords cold first gear

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Difficult to shift into 1st gear or difficult to shift into all gears in cold ambient temperatures.

Possible causes: shift cables out of adjustment, incorrect trans fluid installed, or 1-2 synchronizer sleeve issue

1. For 1st gear shift difficulty, verify shift cables are in adjustment per appropriate service manual procedure.
2. Check clutch spin down for proper clutch release.
3. Insure L-series transmission fluid has not been installed, which will cause increased shift effort if used in a VUE manual transaxle (thicker fluid).
4. Disconnect shift cable at shift tower and attempt to shift manually (2 person operation, one releasing clutch and one shifting transaxle). If difficult, it may be necessary to replace the 1-2 synchronizer and blocking ring. If vehicle shifts easily with shift cables detached the concern is not internal to transmission, further cable and shifter inspection will be required.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.