My 240 with ~100K was having a difficult time shifting into 1'st. Sometimes, it helped tring reverse first, or maybe 2'nd gear. Had the syncros on replaced on 1'st, new clutch and cable.

Now, a year later and 20K more miles, it's starting again. The only real way to get it into 1'st is to push the shifter hard twords the 1/2 part of the H, then jam it up into 1'st. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's not.

Could it be the syncros again? Or is there a bigger problem? I was considering a new/rebuilt/used transmission.

Any help would be appreciated.

A.G.

Is the clutch properly adjusted? If not it may not be disengaging enough to allow for a cleaner shift. Does it shift easier when you floor the clutch?

Josh,

Clutch has been adjusted twice. With the clutch floored, the same symptoms exist.

Thanks,

Angelo

PS: I think I heard this was a common problem with Volvo 5 speeds? Or am I all wrong?

Angelo, Try shifting into first from reverse without releasing the collar on the shifter.On my '87 240 (5 sp) I have to engage the reverse collar to shift into 1st and 2nd. There is a plate under the gear shift boot that can be adjusted by turning two 8mm screws.

Hope this helps, Phil