Stiff gears suzuki grand vitara 1.6 have a very stiff gear change when cold.

This forum may help you solve the problem.

https://www.zukiworld.com/forum/suzuki-grand-vitara-vitara-chevy-tracker-(gen-2-platform)-1999-2005/sticky-1st-gear-common-transmission-problem/

what is stiff (add a noun here)
blush.....
clutch pedal stiff
shifter lever stiff.
grinds , a bad clutch will make the lever seem stiff or will grind, if forced.
gears balk? same as stiff.
false neutrals. (slips , gear not engaging)

first find cause, no stated symptoms, is park lock out engaged?
the cable is just that a cable with 2 ends and clamps
like all cables (you name it, even a bicycle )
1 gain access to both ends
2: remove both ends clips
3: remove any clamps.
4: cable falls out.

the only hard part is the gain access deal.
the fsm cover this. ever seen a real factory service manual.
or 2nd gets. just read it.

here log in and read

http://www.scantool.net/software/alldata-diy-1-month-subscription.html

may take seats out on some model car's and models and options
vary world wide, this is a USA forum.

this part time 4WD? option>?
are you on ICE, snow, dirt or pavement.
part time is not for pavement free of ice, you know that?

only AWD works on non iced pavement.
RTM

you have bad plastics inside, suzuki sells them
its a common failure.
google sw suzuki dot com.
bingo ,parts.
not sold in stores...

the car has part time 4wd.
you failed to say, what surfaces you are diving on.
dry pavement (or wet) illegal
grass,sand,snow,ice, dirt, mud,gravel. (PERFECT)
or?
why are you driving in 4H in the summer, are you OFFROAD?
or in alaska,?
state location (state or country) and what is under tires.
this car is not AWD, wiki, AWD, AND PART-TIME 4wd
the part time has no center differential. that is a very important fact to understand,

Hi Maria.

If you have the manual shift then it is usually the transmission fluid in need of replacement. The transmission fluid is probably dark brown and must be replaced. If replacing fluid does not help, then it is usually a defective transmission.

Regards.

Ginko

sounds like your clutch worn and pressure plate needs renewing

If it's hard to get into gear you should check the clutch is disengaging properly.
Before changing the clutch plate, check that the clutch throw-out is adjusted correctly and the actuating hydraulics/levers have the correct amount of travel.

Mine is just the same. The gearboxes are a bit like a tractors! Dont worry, they smooth off as they get warmer.