DSM tranny question
 

My tranny wont engage 1st or 2nd gear, its like their not there. Trying to put the car in either gear results in going to 3rd or 4th. none of my gears grind and 3rd - 5th + reverse shifts and drive fine, could the shift linkage or the shifter itself be a problem?

This is a 5pseed 91 AWD.

Re: DSM tranny question
 

Yep, could be. I had the same problem im my 91 Laser when one of bolts fell out of the shifter/tranny mount on top of tranny. The mount would just move around when shifting.

Re: DSM tranny question
 

At first thought, sounds like a broken guide rail or shift fork. However, it could be in the cables themselves, especially where they are attached at the bracket on the trans. Check to make sure that the cable ends are still attached to linkage, and the bracket that holds them is secure.

Sometimes the rubber "eyes" that connect to the linkage that comes out of the tranny deteriorate.

If all that looks good, you've broken something internally. If that's the case, yank the trans and pull it apart.

If it's a 1G, it's not all that bad of a job. A 2G is a different story however...

Re: DSM tranny question
 

will a diagnostic from a tranny shop be able to tell me the problem...?

Re: DSM tranny question
 

This is just the way that I look at it, so bear with me; I treat the normal trans shop like I would treat the plague. I stay as far away as possible. If it's something that I can't fix myself, then I'll take it to a reputable shop that is specifically DSM related.

I'll PM you the links to a couple of DSM tranny guru's. If your trans is as fucked as it sounds, then it would be in your best interest to talk to them.