+1 I also periodically have trouble getting it to shift into 1st. Going into second then first seems to help. My other manual cars have done the same thing.

 

This hard shifting into first gear is a common problem, particularly with a short shift kit. This issue has been reported on the 997 forums for at least the last 5 years.

 

By "common" do you mean that the problem occurs in every 997 with a manual transmission?

If it's possible to not have this problem, I may have the dealer take a look, since my car is under warranty. Another option is to wait to see if it improves with time.

The shift from 1st to 2nd isn't all that smooth either (though it never jams), so I wonder if that could be related?

Despite this little annoyance, I still think the car is awesome -- beyond my expectations and, for my needs, close to perfect.

 

Wow, this 997 forum has been in tune with my life since I bought my C4S. First the HPFP post, then the auto-up on the passenger window thread and now this. Twice in the last 2 weeks I've been at red lights and unable to get into first gear. I never had this happen on my Cayman so I was worried something might be up. I've been having to do the reverse then 1st routine.

 

I searched the forums and found that the problem is indeed common, but there are also apparently people who have never had the problem, or had the problem go away either naturally with time or by deliberately breaking in the transmission (I'm not clear on how that was done).

Once I get past 2,000 miles, I may try shifting more aggressively, including more downshifting. If the problem is still there after say 3,000 miles, I'll probably take it in to the dealer. I don't find this acceptable in a car over $100K, especially if not everyone has the problem.

 

here is an easier fix:
When you find that you can't get into first from a standstill, just press gently into the slot for first, and slowly let the clutch out a bit to the engagement point. It goes right in!
Found that out on my M3. I guess as the clutch begins to engage it moves the gear drive slightly forward and it allows the mesh to happen.
I used to do the double-clutch or the 2 to 1 before that, but this seemed easier. Just do it carefully, or you will lurch......

 

My car does it too. I guess it is normal...

 

I followed the advice of JohnM & it works like a charm. Mine is an '06 with factory SSK & 25k miles. When I use it as a daily driver at least once a week I have the 1st gear problem. In the past I always did the shift into 2nd then into 1st & now I will follow the JohnM trick. Thanks for the tip.

 

Glad to help...maybe the trick can be named after me like the "GundoHack!"

 

You can also blip the throttle with the stick in neutral and clutch pedal depressed. Then it usually slides right in. Another good technique is to put it in first before the light turns green, then return to neutral until you need to put it back in gear (once the light is green and traffic begins to move). While still remaining stationary, it always slips back into 1st easy after you've just done it. This way there's no panic to get into gear once the light does in fact change.

 

thought i was the only one with the problem also, but good to know that it's a common problem.

although annoying at times, don't stress it.

 

I have driven 5 Porsches before and only my current one has this problem!!! So it is just a few unlucky ones will have this issue?

2002 Boxster S - No issue
2004 Carrera 2S Convertible - No issue
2006 Carrera 2S - No issue
2007 Carrera 2S - Has 1st gear issue

 

this has happened to me as well. i took it to the dealer and they told me it has to do with the syncros not being aligned. if you put it into 2nd and then into 1st it will align the syncros and go into gear smoothly.

 

I do the exact same thing on my 997.1
5-10% of the time I have this issue for 1st gear.
I don't think it's an issue. this is how a manual transmission is.

similar problem on the mazda3. but only for reverse.

 

2nd to 1st for me too. It occurs more often when the tranny is cold.

Btw, I don't think I had this issue on the Japanese cars I had years ago. On Porsches? Well, it's one of the Porsche ownership.