Saab Repair: Hi Rick: my car is a 1992..., shift linkage, eric walter

Question
Hi Rick:  my car is a 1992 9000 with 72000 miles (carefully maintained and operated).  My manual gear box has the following problems: while standing, will not enter 1st/2nd gear unless I run it through 3rd/4th gear first. This problem, going from 1st to 2nd now happens while on the move but not every time I change up.  A couple of times it moved into 4th when I tried selecting
2nd gear.

Gear box contains recommended level of oil.

I don't think I am having any trouble with the clutch because gear changing appears to be normal except for the problem described above.  Shifting into reverse is not a problem.

I have heard about Saab gear box unreliability many years ago but this is my 3rd manual Saab and more than 250000 miles without a gear/clutch change or problem.

Any comments, suggestions would be very much appreciated.  Eric Walter

Answer
It is possible that your shift linkage has slipped out of adjustment, but in any case, it will need a mechanic to look at it. Problem is one of 3 things: 1) linkage needs adjustment. 2) clutch not fully disengaging, or 3) internal failure of a shift fork, or gear synchro, ETC. $$$$$$$ if that is the case :(