Hi All:
    Try placing the shifter in neutral, then pushing down on it as if to go in
reverse, then gently guide it in to first.  You may find that first engages easily
a little to the right or left of the gate.  If that is the case, the shaft needs
adjustment at the connector under the middle of the van.  Loosen the clamp, and
rotate the front shaft slightly until adjusted correctly.

Randy Bergum
1990 Carat

Todd Last wrote:

> I'm beginning to have the exact same problem with my '88 with 130K
>
> Andrew Dunn wrote:
>
> > Hey there, first time on the list and the proud new owner of an '89 GL.
> > Can you you folks help? I have trouble shifting into first gear, and was
> > suspecting it was a linkage problem.  When at a dead stop, you somtimes have
> > put it in second and then throw it hard into first.  I looked at the gear box
> > linkage
> > and it looked fine, no bent parts, and well lubricated(what do I know about
> > these things yet, anyway?).  Unfortunately, I took a look at the transmission
> > and can
> > see leaking tranny fluid coming from near the CV boots.  It has a had a
> > recent clutch job and every thing else in the tranny feels fine.  Is the leak
> > from lack of fluid?  I wonder what I'm in for since changing or even checking
> > the tranny fluid seems like a great mystery to me?
> > Your help and experience is much appreciated.
> > THANKS
> > Andrew Dunn
> > AndrewD158@aol.com