1st gear hard to engage when moving? Four ways to deal with a stiff first gear

Four different ways to deal with a car that won't go into first gear when moving. Changing the gearbox oil can help, you can use 2nd gear instead of 1st, revving the engine can help and double de-clutching will almost certainly help if all is in working order.
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00:00 Intro
00:27 Gear oil
02:00 Using 2nd gear
03:13 Hills
04:01 How to enter 1st gear easily
05:29 Demonstrations
05:52 Double de-clutch
07:20 Outro

[@hamedurrahman3408]

This man represents what KZbin should be about. Informative and entertaining

[@jaxtradeezer9316]

Best driving tutor ever . Explains exactly what we wanna learn.

[@douglasabdullah8162]

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[@matiasskylar4158]

@Douglas Abdullah instablaster ;)

[@douglasabdullah8162]

@Matias Skylar i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@douglasabdullah8162]

@Matias Skylar it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much, you really help me out :D

[@matiasskylar4158]

@Douglas Abdullah no problem xD

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I love the part when the examiner would fail the learner for looking like Freddie Mercury.

[@cw2126]

😂😂😂 I didn't see that 1

[@briantaylor7777]

This guy is hands down the best how to drive teacher out there. Made me a better driver in every way

[@treenah]

Richard, I never doubt that when I search for a topic on your channel you'll have a video for it. You create some of the best, most informative content on youtube! Thank you so much for making your videos, I wouldn't have passed my driving test without them!

[@collynkieranmclaughlan6983]

2:35 I love that test report!

[@bryanguegan6937]

2:05 I freaked out as hell though.

[@EndstyleGG]

Thank you bro, just started driving with my own car and was surprised that I couldn't change into 1st gear while slowing down, like I was able to do in my instructors car. Will for sure try this because its very annoying to have to stop completely to be able to get going again

[@Chuygonzales86270]

your videos are awesome! i have been driving for almost a year and am still learning new things every time i watch one of your videos. cheers from the united states of america

[@TheFullswordslord]

I have to say, with the variation in Collingwood Insurance introductions and the examinor sketch, these videos are experiencing a tremendous increase in quality. Keep up the good work mate!

[@hamedurrahman3408]

This man is a Legendary instructor. Or should I say a Professor of driving. His videos were already great with all the details and information he provides and now he also added fine humour 😂.

[@lu94887]

Just got myself a manual recently and this couldn't have been posted at a better time :D

[@davidczarco]

Great advice! I kept struggling with slowing down and not wanting go into first gear while still moving

[@GoGators198]

Your videos help manual transmission enthusiasts take it to the next level! Thank you.

[@benja_benjie]

I was totally stressed with manual transmission but your guidance and practical skills made me a pro. Thanks so much

[@Ibrahim0403]

I really like how you make your vids funny. So we new learners can actually engage in the video and not feel like we’re boring ourselves to death

[@adnanbeswick9416]

Just starting to teach my missus to drive and have been finding your vids (especially this with the sticky first gear) super informative and rather handy - cheers fella!

[@SujitMaharjan]

Started following you about 2 years ago when i was starting to learn driving. Got my license a few month back. Still learning the tricks to drive and come back to your videos time and again. Keep the good work. Love from Nepal

[@ConquerDriving]

That's great to hear, thank you for watching!

[@Weedee82]

Big thanks to you m8 your videos helped me pass my test first time.. your videos are very knowledgeable!!! I would recommend anyone starting driving to watch your videos.. its a great help.. thanks again

[@hollybennett3475]

I love your channel so much! Your videos help a lot with my driving

[@zef_markaj03]

love your videos ! they helped me a lot to understand simple things that most instructors dont tell you

[@welshpete12]

One doge, that I find helps if your car will not go into 1st , on start up in the morning . Is to put it into neutral, and rev the engine a little , It works every time . I have been driving for nearly 60 years , and I think this series excellent, well done sir !

[@Libbymoonbeam26]

You absolute LEGEND! I passed my test in my instructor's car and then couldn't work out why I couldn't get my own car in first when I was slowly approaching give ways! This video was a lifesaver, thank you!!

[@swgz600]

What a video, the humor in this one was great. Nice lesson as always.

[@shaheeramer6841]

Passed my driving test today with 5 minors. Couldn’t have done it without your videos Richard! Thank you so much

[@ConquerDriving]

Congratulations! I'm so happy to hear that.

[@shaheeramer6841]

@@ConquerDriving It was my first time aswell! Again, I can’t thank you enough Richard. Your videos are absolutely exceptional and the way you explain everything makes it so easy to understand. Thanks again haha

[@natsprat1583]

Just bought a car with this problem, perfect timing mate, thank you

[@esthernanjala9544]

I am learning alot from your videos. Lots of love from Kenya

[@Aj-qy3kg]

I had my first lesson 2 days ago, smashed it even the instructor was shocked for my first ever lesson & thought I was lieing, thinking,wasn't my first lesson😂 it's all down to watching KZbin videos this guy my favourite person but also dgn driving and others that helped me so much to learn without me even driving,I'm loving it I core wait for Monday for my second lesson I hope I do well again

[@axscdvfb]

Thank you so much. I’ve been wondering about this for over ten years!

[@simple11q]

Great work. Great embracing the test report.

[@michaelmackenzie5608]

After watching your videos for months, I passed my driving test yesterday, thanks for the help!

[@lucykate7811]

Well done Michael 🚘

[@ConquerDriving]

Congratulations on passing!

[@vanai2359]

Its like you read my mind. I just went to have my gear oil changed because of this. Hope to have a much smoother gearbox, like you said ;)

[@gageempire9694]

hey idk if you will see this but I've been watching your videos for the last 5 months and i pass my test yesterday I'm just here to say thank you keep up the good work💪🏾

[@ConquerDriving]

That's awesome! Congratulations!!

[@prazwaloli]

I have started my driving lessons 2 weeks ago. Had lot of problems and the instructor isn't friendly. Couldn't understand anything . Thanks a lot to your videos I learned many things. And now he is surprised as I improved dramatically 😊. Thanks a lot. Hope to pass test soon.

[@rga7482]

It's not OK look for another one.

[@sauravsen9870]

Yet another "read my mind" tutorial. Thanks!

[@paige9079]

Passed last week with 4 minors with your help, my new car is having this problem so I’m gonna try these methods

[@ConquerDriving]

Congratulations on passing, I hope it helps!

[@jjrosaria2]

I also have an ND MX5! I know exactly what this feels! PS I enjoy watching your videos. I am a pretty experienced driver but I just enjoy hearing cars and watching people drive haha

[@hocinetech8572]

Great as always and exactly i have an old car and the problem is always with the 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st you have to gradually increase pressure on gear stick also you can try to shift down the gear on the minimum speed of the gear that you want to shift into

[@duncanwadpole1363]

you made my day mate i was struggling with this problem for a very long time and now i know how to react thanksss

[@daveyboiyeah]

My 307 CC HDI 6 Speed box is like this, it's absolutely terrible to drive in rush hour traffic when it struggles to hold 2nd gear, but won't take 1st. I will try these methods. Thank you.

[@averyalexander2303]

Great tips as always! From my experience, the type and brand of fluid you use makes a noticeable difference too. My 05 Honda Civic likes Amsoil Synchromesh synthetic fluid more than the OEM Honda fluid, the transmission runs a little quieter and shifts much easier since I started using Amsoil. Surprisingly, 1st gear seems to engage a bit easier too. Not sure why, but I'll take it!

[@ConquerDriving]

I think the viscosity can make a difference too. Although I'm always afraid to stray from the manufacturers recommendations.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

For Honda, I have the same experience. On the s2000 it would pop out of 1st gear at a stop some times when taking off from a stop. I changed with OEM honda manual trans fluid x4 times at least. Then I decided to put Amsoil Trans fluid and then that is no longer an issue.

[@averyalexander2303]

@@LoveLikeaHurricane Interesting, thanks for sharing. I have heard that from other people too, something about the Amsoil fluid seems to work well in slightly worn Honda transmissions. Mine has never popped out of any gear regardless of the fluid, but getting into reverse has always been difficult at times and Amsoil seems to have helped with that a little.

[@LemorWorld]

thank you for this video help me realize my car has no issue when going to 1st gear really appreciate this information cheers!😀

[@GamingGrenade1]

Another great video Freddie, very informative

[@RevBman7]

Because of your videos on how to drive a manual, I was able to go to a dealership and drive off the lot a whole two hours and make it home on my first time in a manual car ever. I stalled a good amount of times and it even started rolling back sometimes, but I just kept hearing "handbrake start " or "bite point" in your voice.

[@znarfpogi1484]

This is what ive been looking thank you very much

[@VukasinK001]

Great video, very helpful. Thank you!

[@williamstarr8293]

Great video mate . The only thing is pulling off in 2nd gear like that DOES wear the clutch far quicker

[@matthewsmith5021]

Richard your videos are helping me a lot and I’ve been driving for years. Any chance of doing a video on how to exit a tight parallel parking spot? I’ve always found this awkward. Thanks for the great content 😎

[@ConquerDriving]

Thank you, I may do that in the future.

[@ellamatthews3573]

You Richard, have saved my driving!

[@hikaushik]

You are the best undoubtedly. I sometimes see 1st -> 2nd also have some struggles without additional rev. Never faced that in higher gears though. May be you can cover it another day

[@ConquerDriving]

That's true, 2nd gear being stiff is far more rare these days.

[@claudiaportermusic9503]

I’ve recently purchased a seat Leon with 57 thousand miles on it and the gear stick is quite stiff, I’m glad I’ve come across this video as I might look into changing the gear oil, Thankyou

[@ConquerDriving]

I hope it works.

[@TheFullswordslord]

Is that a stiff gear in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

[@ConquerDriving]

😂

[@1963Nicholas]

Good thinking, like your instructions, well done. Old timer here just thinking: double de-clutching to get into first? Specially in the Mazda you mentioned. Brill that you explained that bit too: 180 for me. So spot on.

[@apoloramos5195]

Had the exact same issue on my ND Miata, I thought it was some major gearbox issue. Glad to know it isn't.

[@mugashagoden.]

Love from Uganda east Africa

[@richarddalupang3095]

Thank you for this lesson

[@jbd4365]

Thank you. I just got a 5 speed mirage and find it hard to get into 1st sometimes. I didn't even think about it only happening while moving and in my case you're right, my car shifts into 1st easily while stopped or off.

[@UnH1ng3d]

4:44 - This has really been confusing me for the last couple of days. Thank you.

[@tonythetiger583]

I actually had no idea you could go into first unless pretty much stopped. I've been driving stick for 15 years :D

[@jameslewis9784]

Great videos. Informative but straightforward. Funny but not smarmy. And just a little bit adorable as well. I genuinely wish attaining a license were as challenging in the US as in other countries. I think I was eating a banh mi and updating my Myspace page while I took my exam and still passed.

[@ConquerDriving]

😂

[@liamatkins3013]

Great video, thank you.

[@edouardrobitaille6750]

this is pretty usefull thank you very much!

[@Suzumi-kun]

Recently bought an '09 suzuki swift with 68k miles on it. Reverse gear has been a nightmare to get into, it partially engages but everything about the gearstick and the outside noises say it's engaged, and when I let the clutch come up it makes a grinding noise. Every second attempt always works. Today I found the issues with first gear that you mentioned. I thank you for your advice and will try it tomorrow, but I should probably take it to the garage to get the gearbox oil looked at.

[@bartjochemchristiaanguiche1685]

Thank you so match i have a seat leon but eco and the tips wurkt verry well

[@cw2126]

❤️ the content with the houmer 👍👍👍 passed Dec18 th 2020 have a car 🚗 also but still watch 💪

[@ConquerDriving]

That's great, thank you!

[@robinrai4973]

My first car has this intermittently and 80k miles, so I'm gonna try changing the oil/getting it changed, thanks!

[@Sapple498]

Thanks for all of you content you've provided so far! They've helped me a ton. Now, I have to learn in an unusual fashion, with a manual with a light weight flywheel. Would you mind teaching clutch control in such cars? Hill starts are especially problematic for me. I believe the MX-5 of yours also has such a flywheel. :)

[@ConquerDriving]

It is the same as usual for hills and starting in general. Although holding on some gas or doing the upshift blip during gear changes helps if you have a light weight flywheel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6G7YX-EfJujd80

[@caomama1019]

youre right when i have to shift into first for example aproaching a steep hill only way is to fast switch to neutral give it a good rev and then slam it into first

[@JRS-UK]

I used to have a Corsa D that didn’t like going into first gear unless your put the gear stick into 2nd (keeping the clutch down) and then put it into first, bit of a pain but maybe useful information for someone! 😊👍

[@ConquerDriving]

I've found older Vauxhalls have a stiff first gear.

[@MrRobbi373]

I've got a Corsa D from 2006 (but with low mileage... currently below 45.000km lol) and I can only shift into first (from second) if I'm below 4-5km/h. Very annoying, but you get used to it

[@JRS-UK]

@@MrRobbi373 Yeah that sounds very similar! My Corsa was a 2008 with 70,000 miles on it... after that car I got a 2015 Corsa with 30,000 miles on it and that still did the same problem. Must just be the Vauxhall characteristic haha. 😂

[@jamestorrens645]

The report the examiner has is hilarious 😂

[@godfreyphiri1539]

I actually thought I was trippin! Thanks for this video! I enjoy listening to you (no homo)

[@dragossabin8265]

awesome content!!!!!!!

[@181VICKSTER]

My twinair fiat hates going into 1st gear unless you are literally stopped so it took a while to get used to once I passed my test as I could go into 1st gear in a low speed coming up to junctions ect in my instructors car which was a hyundai i10

[@LingKahaa]

Great video...

[@vergildante0196]

Tq so much! This help me so much 😭😭

[@alfredphiri9007]

I love the lesson

[@UKCHEEZ]

Thanks bro littlarly just happened to me on the road.

[@DidiMuseri]

I'm going through this with right now with my 2007 kia picanto, I'm struggling with the 1st gear atm I'll try the engine Rev method

[@hamsterama]

This was a very interesting video! I thought it was just my car that did this, where it's hard to slot the shifter into first gear when the car in in motion and it's cold. And when I say cold, I don't just mean when the engine is cold. I also mean when the weather's cold. My car's just over a year old, so it's not the gear oil. It's how the new Corollas are built, I guess. In the fall and winter, I'm unable to downshift into first gear unless I'm nearly stopped. In the spring and summer, no problem, I can downshift into first gear while going 10 mph, with no resistance. Later this year, once we get cooler temperatures, I'll try out the techniques in this video. Hopefully, that'll solve the problem!

[@kieranmz4614]

I recommend double declutching every 2nd to 1st shift whilst moving, much less stress on the synchros in the gearbox. Once you've got the hang of it it becomes subconscious. I dislike the feeling of a stiff gearshift so always double declutch on 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st (those synchros get by far the most abuse).

[@hamsterama]

@@kieranmz4614 Thank you for your advice! There's such a huge difference between 3rd and 2nd gear in my car (I have a 2020 Corolla hatchback), that I dread downshifting for turns. My car has auto rev match, but the feature doesn't seem to work as well as I'd like it to when I downshift from 3rd to 2nd. Works great on all the other gears, though, just not all that well on 3rd down to 2nd, the car jerks hard. I'll follow your recommendations, and start practicing double declutching for 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st. Because my car can automatically blip the throttle on downshift, I imagine it shouldn't take me very long to learn to double declutch.

[@thetiredoldtiger4711]

Coasting is better defined by unnecessary use of the clutch or neutral gear. In the situations you are detailing, it's helping to perform an action within the car by doing so, therefore deeming the use as necessary.

[@2151989may]

Amazing 👌

[@callumt-d59]

Failed my driving test today because of my first gear failing to engage at the junction. So this video will be beneficial to watch and see what I did wrong.

[@ConquerDriving]

I'm sorry to hear that. It's good to hear you're trying to solve the issue. I hope the video helps and I wish you the best of luck with your next test!

[@ricvanwinkle1665]

Nice video and I believe many newer car have a lockout as they don’t want you blowing your tranny/clutch

[@tmcchamp8200]

2:06 i love his sense of humour sometimes. So unexpected and funny

[@Freyas666]

You're the best!!!

[@FaithKiller27]

Thought it was a problem cos I’ve just got a new car and it’s a bit stiff to get into 1st when going more than roughly 8mph, thanks for ensuring that there’s no problem with it 😂

[@asdf-th8jr]

Hey man make a video about Reversing, where to look and when to turn the steering wheel

[@ConquerDriving]

I plan to, thank you.

[@charliesmith812]

Have this with my diesel kia, first is very difficult to get into on the move and second is quite tricky to get into aswell.

[@kieranmz4614]

Great video as always, curious about your comment on revving the engine with the clutch down as I struggle to see how it would help match the gear speeds? I find the only reliable and quick way is double declutching. Thanks

[@ConquerDriving]

I know, it doesn't make sense but it seems to work in the cars I've tried it in. I think there must be some light form of transmission from flywheel to clutch even when they're disconnected.

[@janetothen2583]

Ok did u read my mind??!! I was moaning to my lad about this just 2days ago! Its a brand new car, 2020 car, and it drives me nuts! It is always when its cold, and it bugs me! Glad i am not going insane! I am adapting to it tho, my instructor showed me how to get to the bite and gas like u did, i just need to trust myself more to do it lol! Thank u for such a great video!

[@ekzotic1]

nice one. i would add that its even possible to drive with broken clutch (i had one) by overreving. not far though obviously to start going you need to use your starter in 1st gear which is not optimal. :-)

[@ConquerDriving]

Thank you. I am yet to drive with a broken clutch, I hope to keep it that way.

[@PORRFNK]

I would say that in many cases, problems with 1. gear is not worn syncros. It's either that the clutch is not fully releasing or that you need an adjustment of the gear linkage/cables + lubrication of the hardware connected to the link/cable. Like any other component, cables will also stretch when the motor compartment gets hot. I would say, work in the following order: 1.Check your linkage 2.Change gearbox oil 3.Check that your clutch has some freeplay at the bottom and at the top, and that it fully releases. 4. Now is the time to consider the syncros

[@vishalt4769]

When is the track day video coming out? Looking forward to it!

[@ConquerDriving]

It's planned for 17th May 😊

[@user-kq3vd5fm2j]

Thank u sooo much ❤

[@stephenlee5929]

Hi, when I learnt most cars did not have synchromesh on 1st gear, so I never changed down into 1st, except when stopped. More recently most of my cars have enough power to pull away in second, on moderate hills. I've had a diesel for last 20 years so pull away in 2nd is not a problem. Double declutch is fine if you have a rev counter, are they standard these days? Instructive video, thanks.

[@MyBrilliantChannel]

I drive a classic mini with worn synchros. 1st gear will go in when you're at a standstill or if you rev match and double clutch. 2nd gear will 'crunch' if it's cold and you're changing up from 1st, or down from 3rd to 2nd, but if you double clutch and rev match it will go in nicely. 3rd gear you have to gently put in, but for me it adds to the character of the car. And when it does break I have a spare in my shed :D My brother has a morris minor with no synchro on 1st at all. imagine putting that in first while on the move. :D

[@ConquerDriving]

Sounds very challenging. I'm yet to drive cars as old as that. Oldest car I've driven is a 1984-ish model if I remember correctly.

[@handsfree1000]

The car I learned to drive on (Vauxhall viva) didn’t have synchro on fits or reverse. You had to be stationary to get first.

[@skudnu5462]

modern bmw's have a clutch delay valve, so it's not unreasonable to give gas and even though you are pressing the clutch, due to the valve it takes a tad longer for it to actually disconnect thus giving some gas does increase gearbox input shaft speed

[@WhOoOoO1000]

This was verry helpful, thank you, I still have a question if you can help, is clutch control bad in 2nd gear at a very low speed ? (Holding the clutch at the bite point and using munimum rev to control speed) I do it quite often in traffic and I always feel like it is bad and should clutch control in 1st

[@ConquerDriving]

It depends how slow you are. If you're doing it to speed up that's fine but don't do it to hold a constant speed.

[@yogeswaranrajasegaran8246]

Nice and great video @conquerdriving bro👍👍....so how about when I change up gear...for example from 1st to 2nd gear I feel very stiff...so how to handle it?? And also how to avoid glare on side mirror when changing lane during night time??

[@ConquerDriving]

There is not a lot you can do about glare, some cars have dimming wing mirrors which is nice. If second gear is stiff, just try to select it slowly.

[@yogeswaranrajasegaran8246]

@@ConquerDriving thanks bro for your reply and noted bro👌👌

[@bayramilhan30]

Thank you.....