My car will go into 2nd 4th and 5th, but not 1st and 3rd?

Question

I have a 96 Mitsubishi Eclipse 5 Speed dual over head cam, non turbo. I can get it into 2nd, 4th and 5th but it will not go into 1st or 3rd when driving, If I try to put it in 1st or 3rd it don't grind or anything just kind of acts like it's in neutral. What could be the problem? I have heard "linkage" and "syncros" . Anyone have an answer?

Answer 1

I had a probe GT that acted in this fashion; it was a bolt missing in the shift rod; no more than a 100 dollar fix.

Unfortunately, it leaves you needing a tow if you are not careful so drive that baby to the station.  I doubt it is your clutch cause' you would be smelling some odors of it burning away.

Answer 2

It could be the likage. If its the syncros then your talking 1000.00 dollar job. This usually is caused by power shifting and forcing it into gear, So you should have a idea if you did this...

Answer 3

Try dsm.org and vfaq.com to investigate more. I would guess syncro since it is 3rd and 1st.