BobC1303

I have a 2006 2.5CRD voyager, and over the fast 2 to 3 months it has been getting increasingly difficult to get it into 1st gear, and sometimes when putting it into 3rd there is a very slight crunch, but only if it change it quickly. A mechanic friend has said that it could just be the gear selector needs grease around it, but I'm beginning to think that it may need oil. Can anyone tell me how to check this?