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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Pete Taylor on 13 May 2007, 17:17

Title: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Pete Taylor on 13 May 2007, 17:17
Basically my gearbox works fine, no problems whilst in any gears but the gear selection from the shifter is pretty stuttery, slack and annoying. It will always make a clunk selecting reverse. 1st gear is a b!tch to get, it's dead annoying because it gets 2/3rds of the way there then stops, I have to pop it into 2nd quickly then back into first for it to engage the gear correctly. Makes me look a right retard if I have to stop and go quickly at a roundabout or junction. 2nd sometimes feels a bit awkward to get into but goes in. 3rd very occasionally grinds ever so slightly when selected although the selection is easy, as is 4th and 5th.

A grease monkey mentioned the cables might need adjusting? I've seen people mention problems with broken bushes and some ball thing. Is this most likely to be the problem? Basically I need to know which bits break and where to find them because i'm mechanically retarded with regards to engines and gearboxes.

Apparently there is some sort of repair kit you can get but not from GSF as they said the selector repair kit doesnt work for the cable change box.
Any help would be muchos apprecieted because this is really starting to cheese me off because no-one seems to know. If I ask the guy at the garage who regularly does my work now i daresay he'll end up taking the whole box out and refurbing it even if it doesn't need it!
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: jezza16v on 13 May 2007, 22:29
Do you find it works fine from cold for the first few miles and gets worse when warmed up? Or is it a problem all the time?
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Pete Taylor on 14 May 2007, 07:06
Now that you mention it, everything seems fine from cold, first thing in the morning selecting reverse to get off the drive it doesn't even clunk
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 14 May 2007, 18:58
you're not alone.. mine does the first gear thing.. moreso when warm.. and i picked the "2nd first" tip up off the net somewhere... i'm finding 5th a hassle lately actually.. and end up in 3rd a lot... but no problems with 3rd itself.

oh and reverse doesnt clunk all the time. but it does sometimes maybe also when warm actually..

if i remember i'll give my local specialist a shout and see what he says
 
what mileage is your car up to? mines just hit 98k.. 

Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: garfayliu on 14 May 2007, 19:25
I thought changing the gearbox oil would help with my 1st gear selection problems. Worked well for the first few days, gear change was real light, but now it's still sometimes difficult to engage first.
Like Pete said, going into 2nd makes it easier, or sometimes double de-clutching helps.

Don't think there is a linkage kit for the cable change box unfortunatley.
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: jezza16v on 14 May 2007, 19:28
Hmm, mine is the same on 143k with 1st & 3rd. I've had the linkage sorted which took the 'slop' out of the shift and had the box oil topped up but it made no difference. I guess the syncro and selectors are getting worn beyond tolerance. It might be worth trying Redline MTL oil in the box, but last time I tried this in a mk2 it made little difference and set the drive shaft seals leaking. I think I'll just live with it as its not crunching at all yet. I find that if I give mine a long run and get it well heat soaked the problem seems to go, its just when its at that 'in-between' temperature which it gets to after about 7-10 miles, sods law that's how far I have to drive to work  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: garfayliu on 14 May 2007, 19:40
I forgot to say in my post above my mk3 has only done 54400 miles, original gearbox, new gearbox oil at 53000 miles. But the problem of difficult 1st/reverse gear selection has occured since I got it at 33000 miles. So I'm unsure how much mileage affects it and whether it's worn bushes?

Can anyone confirm if there is any adjustment for the 02A cable change gear box fitted to the mk3 2.0L 16v?
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 15 May 2007, 08:19
^ theres another post in this section that says there is some kind of adjusment poss

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=58228.0
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: garfayliu on 15 May 2007, 08:44
i've been keeping an eye on that too, but I think the guy who has done the adjustment was on a mk2 something, and not on a mk3 16v with cable change box, so still unsure?!  :sad:
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: systemseiko on 17 May 2007, 02:41
Correct me if i'm wrong but the Mk 2 & Mk3 8V Gti's both use the same gear linakge bushings,  these are easily replaced and ther is a sticky on it in the Mk2 forum,  i don't have much knowledge of the Mk3's 16V GTI's but i think these are cable and same as the Mk3 TDI's/ VR6's

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=51321.0 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=51321.0)
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 17 May 2007, 08:37
http://www.clubgti.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32266

http://www.clubgti.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33029

http://www.clubgti.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61744 .. dudes getting same problem i've been having.. but theres some rays of hope? eeek.. wonder how he ended up? this was from '05

(ibiza cupra uses the 02a box too)
http://www.seatforum.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39279

Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: garfayliu on 17 May 2007, 09:09
Hi Overseer,

Thanks for the openmindedness and interforum linking. It seems as though its a linkage bush causing the difficulting in selecting 1st gear, and possibily 5th in some cases.

I'm waiting for confirmation whether a linkage repair kit is available for the 02a cable shift gear box, like for the mk2 gti. Also whether the problem is at the gearbox or gearstick.

Cheers, Garfay.
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 31 May 2007, 09:47
any news?


i've just message the guy from the last post on clubgti to see how he got on..
as in my case i'm sure he had the exact same problem i have now
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: monzablue16v on 31 May 2007, 20:24
Mine does it as well look like a right numpty when it goes CCCRunch into reverse, other time it snicks in like it should 1st I sometimes have to push the stick down to get it in and it doesn't like it if I go second to first. Second crunches a bit as well :( I think its alignment as it's a known good box and I just rebuilt the engine and put this box on :( gonna have a fiddle at the weekend.
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 31 May 2007, 22:46

thing is.. mine never ever ever crunches..
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: garfayliu on 31 May 2007, 23:11
i think next time I'm under the hood of my mk3 16v with 02a cable shift gear box, I'll have a look at everything closely. I did a gear linkage bush replacement on a mk2 8v over the bank holiday weekend, fairly easy and took less than an hour. then spent another 5hours doing and re-doing the alignment, right f**ker... i know the cable shift is completley different mechanism, but hopefully I'll be able to sus something.
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: systemseiko on 31 May 2007, 23:18
My ETOS is at home and i am currently working at present,  if someone has a copy and VIN number handy you should be able to find the VW tool for properly aligning linkage,  i have one for my Mk 2 16V and would expect there is one available for the Mk 3 cable change?
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: garfayliu on 02 June 2007, 23:05
hi all,

spoke to my mate who works for vw, he showed me the various points of adjustment for the mk3 GTI 16v with the 02a cable shift gear box.

there isn't much adjustment, so the problem is either the cables have stretched or something else. BUT, there is minor adjustment on two of the 13mm bolts that connect the cables to the mechanism, I know I need pics, apologies. Anyhow, the most obvious bolt, sits inside a long slot, and should be aligned dead centre, mine was off by 1-2mm, so we re-centred it.

Found a pic:
(http://www.garfayliu.com/cars/aDsc_0229.jpg)

Did it solve the problem: ish!

But I was told that the problem was made worse at start up due to the idle sitting about 1000rpm, shifting into 2nd then 1st or 1st into reverse would match the speeds between the engine and gears and stopped any crunching. Basically double de-clutching.

There is something else to check, but we didn't go into detail to do that. Just me 2 pence worth of info.

Garfay.
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 11 June 2007, 09:41
i got a reply from the guy i messaged on clubgti. he said..

Quote
It turned out it was just a gear linkage under the bonnet that was loose, tightened it up and all was well,
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Pete Taylor on 11 June 2007, 12:47
I tried that this morning, it was a fair bit off centre so i slackened, moved, then retightened..

If anything it seems worse!
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: garfayliu on 11 June 2007, 15:08
I tried that this morning, it was a fair bit off centre so i slackened, moved, then retightened..

If anything it seems worse!

Better set it back to what it was!
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 19 June 2007, 12:41
picked a mate up from the local dub specialist this morning.. had a quick word with the guy there... he seemd to agree that as theres no crunching it could be a worn something.. or alignment.. will be booking it in for investigation (and hopefully fix).. soon..
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: mk3jonny on 19 June 2007, 17:25
Just in case this snippet may be of use, i had the first reverse fifth thing on my mk2, had the plastic ball socket bit beneath the gear lever replaced and it cured it, it is quite common for these to wear and when they do obv gear selection gets a bit tricky. It is a cheap fix though! If there is no crunching then that is almost certainly the prob. Hope that helps add weight to that theory for you.
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 28 June 2007, 09:35

i'm booked in for thurs 5th...


theres no rhyme or reason to it.. if i think i've discovered a "trick".. it'll stop working..

i thought for a while that putting it in neutral, letting of the clutch.. putting the clutch in again and then shifting was working.. it did the first two times..

came 20 miles down the motorway from my new girlies this morning.. couldnt get in 5th for the life of me for the first 10 mins..

will check back into this post once its been looked at..
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: colourcongti on 30 June 2007, 20:12
has anything been found out about this as i have the problem with 5th gear been a pain to get into and now 1st and 3rd are getting bad
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Pete Taylor on 01 July 2007, 07:09
I've got come gear linkage bits to order monday to fit hopefully wednesday which should fix that same problem i'm having in my cable change box which I believe has worked for someone before, if it fixes the problems i'll be putting together some cable change box lever repair kits for the 16v and VR6
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: colourcongti on 01 July 2007, 19:48
let use know how you get on mate
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Gurm X on 03 July 2007, 09:12
I have the same problem, there is no crunching tho, but to select 1st gear is a mission, i also use the 2nd gear to 1st gear method.
Please let us kow how you get on as I would really like to sort mine out too
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 03 July 2007, 22:19

2 days :)
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Pete Taylor on 04 July 2007, 09:45
Well it seems i'm not going to have time to fit yet as the total closure on my car decided to break. It's constantly forcing my windows down so out popped the RAC man. My window motors and regulators are now disconnected and ten ton of sellotape is holding the windows to the doors. Cheers RAC man....
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Pete Taylor on 04 July 2007, 15:46
Bits will be there ready for me to collect on friday morning. I'll see if I can put it all together on Friday and let you know if it's sorted the problem
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 05 July 2007, 18:34


all fixed...

no parts needed..

they did it in just over 30 mins...

seems great so far.. all selections feel solid now :)


cost me 30 quid..


regret putting it off so long!
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Pete Taylor on 05 July 2007, 18:37
wicked! Where abouts are you and could you give me the name and number of the place! If this doesn't work on friday i'll gladly take a trip across to pay 30 quid to have it done!
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 05 July 2007, 18:40
performance driven, taunton, somerset.

http://www.performancedriven.co.uk/

suspect theres a vw specialist closer to you.. :)
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: colourcongti on 05 July 2007, 19:42


all fixed...

no parts needed..

they did it in just over 30 mins...

seems great so far.. all selections feel solid now :)


cost me 30 quid..

What did they do



regret putting it off so long!
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Overseer on 05 July 2007, 21:18

the receipt says..

"checked and adjusted gear linkage as required"
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: msond on 09 July 2007, 22:42
I have had problems with gear selection recently.

My mechanic greased / adjusted the linkage and also replaced the rear gearbox mount (£35 labour / ~ £18 for mount from GSF).

The gear change is better than ever.  :smiley:
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Britman on 10 July 2007, 00:19
mine seams to be perfect its 144k, maybe its already had work done as feels as new but not driven it much yet, hopefully mines already had work, they all feel a touch vague wolly anyway to slot into gears but should go in fine with ease, not read many replies il read them now, my vr6 j plate felt fine too that had 127 k when sold that a few years ago sorry cant help with probs others input sounds useful
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Pete Taylor on 10 July 2007, 07:21
Tried changing all the bushes on the linkage itself, a bit better but not satisfactoy. My gearbox mount is completely shot by the looks of it. All the goo from inside the mount has leaked out. Got a front engine and a gearbox mount from GSF to go on, should make the world of difference!
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Big Al2 on 10 July 2007, 23:53
http://www.houseofthud.com/shifting_gti.htm (http://www.houseofthud.com/shifting_gti.htm)
Found this in on a 'sticky'. I tried it on my car over the weekend and it seems to have done the trick. I was having problems finding third sometimes, and also stiff going into fifth.
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: garfayliu on 20 July 2007, 23:13
http://www.houseofthud.com/shifting_gti.htm (http://www.houseofthud.com/shifting_gti.htm)
Found this in on a 'sticky'. I tried it on my car over the weekend and it seems to have done the trick. I was having problems finding third sometimes, and also stiff going into fifth.

That sounds like a nice detailed guide, but real shame there are no pictures to go with it. Does the VR6 use the 02a cable shift gear box too? because some of the things described in that guide doesn't sound like what i see on my mk3 16v ABF with 02a cable shift gearbox.
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Big Al2 on 21 July 2007, 22:00
http://www.houseofthud.com/shifting_gti.htm (http://www.houseofthud.com/shifting_gti.htm)
Found this in on a 'sticky'. I tried it on my car over the weekend and it seems to have done the trick. I was having problems finding third sometimes, and also stiff going into fifth.

That sounds like a nice detailed guide, but real shame there are no pictures to go with it. Does the VR6 use the 02a cable shift gear box too? because some of the things described in that guide doesn't sound like what i see on my mk3 16v ABF with 02a cable shift gearbox.


How old is your car? It all worked for me, but the cable set up did change slightly on later cars.
Title: Re: MK3 GTi 16v Gear Selection Problems
Post by: Pete Taylor on 22 July 2007, 11:40
the 02a box is the same in the 16v and VR6, also the same box used in one of the Corrados too, G60 i think