Hi, I'd appreciate any help with this problem. I have a 01' and the car drives fine but the shifter seems to not want to go into first right away sometimes. From a dead stop it seems like it won't go in but than I'll push the clutch and put it in any other gear 2nd,3rd,4th,etc. (not driving, just putting it into another gear which will seemingly loosen the gearbox somehow and it then is easier to put it into 1st to get moving.)
The clutch catches fine, engine doesn't make any funny noises, Everything feels good except the gearbox.Does anyone have an idea of what this might be? - thanks

 

Is this car new to you? Is this something that has become a new issue all of a sudden? I'm not sure that this can be called a problem. Virtually all 6 speed manuals that I've driven have this characteristic.
If you are going from neutral with the clutch out, the tranny is being spun by the engine. When you select 1st, due to its ratio, if you immediately try to engage it, it will resist because of the tranny spinning around. Putting it into any other gear prior will stop the tranny spinning and allow placement into 1st much easier. You don't have this issue when selecting other gears initially because of their ratio spacing.
Also, it's not a bad idea to change your clutch fluid every couple of years. This will facilitate 1st gear engagement much better also.

 

Are there any really good sites for basic S2K maintnance? Fluid changes, etc.. . I was spoiled with the Miata community. You guys are great but there were literally 23424242423429082547895328 Miata specific websites. Thanks!

 

here ya go

 

Like RACER said, your at it. Look around a bit and you will likely find everything you need, and if not, there are many here that are very knowledgeable and eager to help. WELCOME!

 

Check out the FAQ section: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=108435

A lot of great DIY's.