Light and difficulty downshifting into 1st

[Louiehenry]

I've noticed recently, when going from second to first and braking, the gearbox seems to be fighting me, it's not grinding, nor whirring, it just doesn't want to engage first! When it finally does, the top light on the cluster flickers on and off. What does the light mean? It's a 71 280sl.

[Louiehenry]

I've noticed recently, when going from second to first and braking, the gearbox seems to be fighting me, it's not grinding, nor whirring, it just doesn't want to engage first! When it finally does, the top light on the cluster flickers on and off. It's a 71 280sl.

[ja17]

Start off by checking the fluid level.

[Louiehenry]

Which fluids?

[ja17]

Dextron or the modern derivative is fine.

[garymand]

Tranny fluid?  I think the top light is the alternator charging light is it blue?

[66andBlue]

.... What does the light mean? It's a 71 280sl.

Don't be afraid to consult the technical manual here! 
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/DashboardInstruments

[Louiehenry]

Haha! I actually did that right after I posted this, I thought I delete it, but I gues not!
I did discover the problem! Thanks again!

[ja17]

Hello Louie,

Check your brake fluid (may be your dash light problem).
For the shifting problem check the transmission fluid level. The transmission fluid is a little more difficult to check. Check it also.

[Novamonte]

Also check what fluid is in there now. I had a similar problem with second gear and when I checked the transmission it turned out that the PO had used regular transmission oil, not ATF which should be used even in the manual transmission in these cars. After changing the transmission oil the problem went away.