Corsa hard to get into second gear

The message from dpm snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.co.uk (David Martin) contains these words:

Quite possibly the synchromesh shagged. Try double de-clutching.

Check the gearbox oil level - might be a tad low.

though I've replaced a few gear linkages on corsas

can i be a bit blonde and ask what double de clutching means?

sorry if its obvious

Clutch cable needs adjusting?

Hydraulic clutch on Corsa-Cs

Mine rattles and shakes like hell...

Any idea on cost?

I had a similar problem when my clutch was maladjusted and thus dragging

Tom

Won't that, then. Maybe needs hydraulic system bleeding/fluid replacing?

Well, many thanks for all the suggestions and discussion.

I have found that if I lift the reverse gear ring on the gearstick so that the stick will move a little further to the left then 2nd gear always engages easily. So I think the problem must be with the gear linkage, not the gearbox. Can anyone tell me if this can be adjusted or how else to fix it?

Sounds like your gear stick arrangement has a detente for reverse gear. This is a plate bolted to the floor where the stick goes through to the gearbox to prevent selection of reverse by mistake. Lifting the ring clears this piece of metal. On a Volvo this is adjustable, so maybe it is on yours

I have exactly the same problem ( 2001 Corsa 1.0, 44000miles, just out of warranty). The vauxhall main dealer where I bought the car said that there was an oil leakage from the gear box. They fixed that but still the same problem. They then said it was a problem with the gear linkage and would cost about £250 (£92 per hour labour charge). Haven't had it done yet - still living with the problem. Any more info on your problem?