I have an '03 Enthusiast with 15,500 miles. When you take it to 5 grand and above in first gear, you get a horrible grind when trying to go to second. Under 5000 it shifts smoothly. Have not taken it to the dealer yet, so I would like to know what to expect. The last time I had it in, they said the release bearing souned like it was bad and hinted that the car might have been abused. I have not noticed any noise that would indicate a bad release bearing myself. I told them it WAS a sports car and not a Lincoln Town Car, and yes it has been driven like a sports car, (and even that is on rare occassions) but NOT abused. Any idea what kind of crap I can expect when I take it in for these problems?

Thanks

 

Sometimes, if the fluid isn't warmed up, it is a tough shift from 1st to 2nd. However, check your technique before shifting - make sure you are fully depressing the clutch before shifting.

 

You could have a bad second gear synchro, which should be covered under warranty.

 

My 'bad 6th gear synchro' turned out to require a replacement clutch and me to pay the 'diagnostics' of removing and stripping my gearbox.

I had the same symptoms, just with 6th.
If I let the revs drop to idle, press the clutch, slip it gently into gear, blip the throttle and release the clutch, it worked....just. If I just tried to shift from 5th through to 6th...it just made horrible grinding noises.

 

3000 miles when I took mine in for Second Gear grinding. Turned out to be synchros and they replased the entire tranny.