2005 Mark IV GLI six speed won't go into first

[MrStack]

I have a Mark IV Jetta GLI 1.8T six spd that will not go into first gear, It feels like something is blocking it from going. Doesnt matter if engine is running or not. Pulled console apart and looked from that angle and all looks good there. Removed cable from shift lever on top of trans and tried to engage first there and still wont go in. All other gears work fine. This started after i went to pull second and it didnt engage all the way. Basically missed a shift....lol. Any help mwould be greatly appreciated. Never messed with one of these. Thanks everyone.

[MrStack]

Update: Checked cable adjustment today....all good. Removed cables from counterweight and counterweight. Then tried to remove shaft that goes down into trans. Could not get it out. Put it all back together and drove car. Managed to get it into first but it is very stiff going into first and coming out of first into second. Rest of gears shift fine and there is no noise. Is it a ticking time bomb now or what?? Any advice would be very helpful.

[jaso028]

Sounds like your shift fork... if it is becoming hard to go in and out of 1st and 2nd, I would not drive the car until you fix it... there’s a rivet that gets weak, usually you need to have a shop drill out the old one and put in a heavy duty one...