I had this problem with my 88 GL. 1st gear was difficult. I drained the
manual tranny and installed the synthetic tranny lube Redline MT-90. It
now shifts smooth as silk. Been that way now for over 40,000 miles.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Jean-Woo Kim wrote:

>I have a question about my 87 GL Wolfsburg Edition's 4-speed shifter. When I
>start the car in the morning it is always difficult to put it in gear,
>particularly in the 1st. (Actually putting it in reverse is fine.) After the
>van warmed up a little, after 10 minutes or so of driving, it becomes easier
>to shift but still a little sticky. Interestingly, it is buttery with the
>engine off and clutch depressed. This makes me rule out the possibility of
>worn bushings or alignment of the shifter rods. What can it be? And how can
>I go about fixing it?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Jean-Woo
>
>
>