sometimes when i downshift from second to first it won't go into first. i have to let off the clutch, and when i do, there is a small, but noticeable, sort of clanging noise...that's the best way to describe it i guess.but as soon as i try it again it goes perfectly.i sometimes hear the same noise when pressing the clutch in while in first when i'm ready to stop. if i press the clutch EXTREMELY slow it doesn't do this, and it hasn't always been this way....i've only had it for three months. it has 173xxx miles, so it's not like i didn't expect something to happen, but i'd still like to know what it could be.

 

It seems to me like your having a clutch, pressure plate, or slave cylinder problem. Doesn't look like an internal tranny problem, but I can't be to sure. If you can, provide more info like general area of the noise (near your feet or under your shifter).

 

the sound comes from an area further back than the shifter, and most definetely not around the clutch pedal. i can upshift from 1st to 2nd and through all gears perfectly fine without any noise.

i'm just throwing this out here, but could it be the u-joint? i've only had my camaro for a few months, and i'm not too good with diagnosing problems on vehicles, so if the u-joint is something that has no chance of being the problem, just overlook my stupidity.

 

Actually, the u-joint could very well be the problem. As they go bad, you hear a clanking noise as soon as pressure is taken off or applyedto the driveshaft (disengage/engage clutch). However, I am not sure if that would stop the trans from going into first, but that could very well be the source of the noise.