Why is shifting stiff? - 1993 Cadillac DeVille

Switch connected to gear shifter not adjusted or misalined.

Shift linkage points need lubrication.

I suspect that it will be in the shift mechanism
If it is a cable shift then replace the cable
If it levers or other linkages check and adjust or lubricate as required
I doubt it is in the clutch as you haven't mentioned difficulty in selecting first gear only shifting from 1 to 2nd.

Underneath the stick, there might be a problem like a stuckup or broken plastic shifting bearing. Check this one.

Recommend you remove the shift cable and run some low viscosity oil through the sheath.

My ideal is the clutch slave cylinder is bad,here's how to replace.

If you mean the shifter is getting hard to move, its probably the shift linkage sticking, try a couple squirts of pblaster or other penetrating oil. If the motion of the vehicle is getting hard to drive in reverse and drive the torque converter may be the issue.

Need more info.

Any recent auto work??

Stiff as in the gear linkage??

Stiff as in the gearbox.??


Stiff as in motion??

You have a shift cable. This cable may be getting a
little worn. One way to check it is, disconnect the
cable at the transmission and see if it is still stiff.
Look under the hood, just to the right of the brake
booster. You will see 2 cables that come through
the firewall, one is the throttle cable, it will go to the
right towards the center of the engine. The other is
the shift cable, it will go down to the transmission
linkage. Disconnect the cable there and see if it
shifts any easier. If not, replace the cable.
Hope this helps. Good luck.

You can try using synthetic gear lube, I have found it reduces shift effort by at least half when it is cold.