Tranny fluid for 96 stick AAZ doesnt like the cold.

[the~boy]

When i start up my jetta, it really really doesnt like shifting into 2nd... like... it doesnt until about an hour of driving.
it started with the cold. And once it warms up it shifts like a dream.

Could this just be thick fluid?
Is it my syncro
Is there a pissed off midget in my tranny just making my life horrible?
help a brother out.

And if i do need new fluid, what should i get and is it on ID parts?

[the caveman]

In my experience, besides reverse getting noisy, the 2nd gear syncro is the first thing to go on those transmissions. I think it happens from people shifting quickly and beating the syncro as it's forced into gear.
You could replace the gear oil with some synthetic [ my transmission expert suggests Lubro-moly but that's more for racing], maybe mixed with a little ATF. Someone i know has used only ATF in his VW's for years and he has no complaints. He started using it when his were getting noisy/hard to shift cold.

[vanbcguy]

I've heard nothing but good things about GM Syncromesh fluid in the 020's... Lots of folks have had good success reducing or eliminating 2nd gear grind.  It sounds like yours is pretty bad though... Mine is in the same boat, unless I double-clutch I can't get a non crunchy 2nd shift unless I've been driving for a while and it's good and warm.  I have fairly fresh stock equivalent fluid, haven't got the Syncromesh myself.

[Vincent Waldon]

Redline MTL synthetic works great in Edmonton Alberta Canada's winters.   

[theman53]

I went with Royal Purple 75w-90 and it eliminated 2nd crunch even cold. I have heard great things about Redline as well.
Brokevw actually said to try the dealer with the spec oil.