transmission HATES first gear

[evildragon]

I got a 94 Chevy Caprice Classic, and I can't seem to get it into first gear.

When trying to drive it, it stutters when taking off, as if it's having a problem using first gear.. (it's an automatic)

So someone in my technical college recommended I put the car into first manually, and dang, I can put it into second gear, but when trying to put it into first, i can't get the shifter to go any further, it's as if something is preventing me from putting it into first..

and I am assuming this is directly related...

any ideas as to what can cause this? it's driving me crazy, and it's wearing down the engine (which is a V8 SS) (i don't have any other car I can use, and only want to get the car fixed KNOWING what the problem is, all the local techs here suck)

[Flash1087]

I assume you've checked the car's transmission fluid?

I have a Ford Tempo with a really similar problem, and my dad's estimation is that the transmission is basically on it's last legs. Check and see how much Caprice transmissions go for, your best option may be to just replace it.

[evildragon]

yea i checked the fluid level, it's fine..

these transmissions go for as much as i paid for the car (500 dollars).. something i really can't afford..

[David J.]

Damnit, you don't know what kind of ride you have... I'd love a body on frame sedan. But too bad my choices are limited to Ford if I want to buy new.

Sorry, I'm a youngin, and I love big boaty cars, beaters too... while everyone lusts over their lame ass honda, I lust over the classics. Anyway... how many miles? It probally isn't broken in yet. Do NOT attempt to shift (I assume you have column shift, no?) with an automatic transmission, you know the 1-2, and maybe 3. That isn't intended for manually shifting, and GM was the last company to use a 3 on the tree.

The Ford Tempo's are considered shit... because everyone who complains about them being shit owns an automatic tempo. I've heard next to NO complaints about manual tempos. The same with the 3.0V6 - I have one of those engines in my Taurus, and it's a damn good engine -- very underrated.

With my '96 Ford Taurus, when I speed sensor went... which meant I had no speedometer, and it was tied to the transmission also, so I'd have no speedo, and the transmission would slip. I got a new sensor and it's all fine.... my car is at the milage where the transmission should fail. When I hopefully go in the air force, I'm going to buy a new car.

Anyway... I'd say you may have a bug or something. Don't worry too much.

[evildragon]

it's a column shift.. i don't tried to ride it like a manual, i drive normally on drive, and on the highway with overdrive..

but i need to manually put it into first to test first gear, to know if it even works, which seems to not be working..

[David J.]

The good thing about column shift is, you can easily put the car in gear.

[evildragon]

The good thing about column shift is, you can easily put the car in gear.

yea, but it sucks when the shifting needle is not lined up

atleast the whole dash is digital, minus the shifting column..

but actually, a new problem has arrised.. when i start it, a loud rattling sound can be heard (more like air in a hose), and it's squeaking (sounds like the alternator)

[evildragon]

ohh, update!

the transmission is fine, minus the manual first..

apparently my engine is very weak at low RPMs...

what can be the cause of that? im putting my finder on spark plugs and possibly bad fuel injector.. think this sounds plausible?