It sounds like the Cabriolet has a possible problem with the shifter forks. The transmission will need to be pulled apart to see what the problem is for sure.
Do a VIN search and the VIN will tell you the original options.
First Identify what transmission you have and get a rebuild kit for that transmission. Second purchase a Rebuild manual for that transmission, should cost about $30.00 Last and most important take your time and follow the instructions from the manual step by step DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING
Transmission valve body dirty.... if you need more help look to loosenut: www.topspeedautogroup.com
If second is the only gear that does not work, there is an internal failure. The transmission will need repaired or replaced.
you could either have a bad syncranizer or the throw out bearing is up
Release the break for a second then move into reverse. works every time on my 97.
I would guess you are low on transmission fluid.
They are the reccomended shifting points for a manual transmission. When you reach 'I', shift out of first, to second, and so on.
The shift link cable could be broken, or the 1st/2nd shift fork, inside the transmission, could be damaged.
a noisy second gear in your transmission is that your second gear might have broken gear tooth which is mostly the problem with my cars.either the second gear on the counter gear or the second gear itself.
If I'm not mistaken, it appears that your truck is a "manual transmission"? There would be no indicator light - you shift into first gear, and then as you approve about 10 or 15 mph you would shift to second. I recommend the "learning manual transmission for dummies" - actually a very well written instruction book on learning how to shift.
One would need the owners manual to cross reference. It is usually a 1 for manual and a 2 for automatic. One just has to find the position of the number on the vin serial(it is usually the second number that appears.)