As the warmer weather approaches, my 5 speed becomes more and more difficult to shift, as the car warms up... It shifts fine in the morning, but as the car is driven, it becomes very difficult to shift into 1st and 2nd gears. I noticed one other person asked this question, but I could not locate an answer to them on your site????

ATF fluid level????

Your fluid is either old or the wrong kind for your transmission. Changing your manual transmission fluid with a higher quality fluid should definitely reduce the difficulty of cold fluid/cold weather shifting. First go to the parts store and find out exactly what kind of fluid your transmission takes. Most manual transmission use gear oil. I recommend using something like Red Line, AMSOIL, or Royal Purple if available. A synthetic will make it even easier to shift. Always check with the manufacturer if you are unsure. I try to stick with the manufacturers recommendations because typically they know what works best with what they've engineered...but sometimes after market fluids can't be outperformed.

you need a transmission fluid and filter changed.because if filter stopped up.transmission fluid little thicker in cold climate make it hard circulate through filter.when engine and fluid get warmer fluid get thinner where it can circulate through filter cause transmission to shift correctly.

2007 pt crusier Hard shifting manual 5 speed transmission in warm weather

trans fluid has to warm up

I have the same problem, Noticing that my 2006 Saturn Vue, 5-speed becomes extremely hard to shift gears when the weather is cold. (Temps range from 20-43). Has been colder in the last month. What could this be?

also side note:
Our windshield wiper spray doesn't work on front window but work on back. They both started about the same time when the temps dropped to single digits. Dont know if that had any causes.

First thing to do,try to pump your clutch before you shift into 1st gear then if you feel makes better, most probably you have problem with your hydraulic clutch system, check the clutch line if there is an evidence of fluid leaking or it could be internal leak.

Second thing to do, check your transmission oil, may be it' s too old or you use a thick oil thats why when cold its hard to shift then when the engine rich the normal temperature(warm) the oil become thin and the shifting will smooth. Remember the very old oil become thicken and the purity is gone and can cause of hard shifting. in this regards i suggest you to change the transmission oil and check the used oil if there is small peace of metals, then you are in big trouble,

SHift solenoid pressure switch

The only fluid expansion tank I know of is for the cooling system,and if that is the case you my have a leak in the transmission cooler that is built into the radiator.

INSPECTION
1. Check the select cable for proper operation and for damage. 2. Check the shift cable for proper operation and for damage. 3. Check the boot for damage. 4. Check each bushing for wear, abrasion, sticking, restricted movement or damage. 5. Check for a weak or damaged spring.