I have a 2011 & almost got in a bad driving situation due to the shifting getting progressivly worse. Feels like im going to break the lever off! Im going to do this today. Old video still helping pepole, you're awesome & so is RUclips for this exact reason. Thank you so much!
@amcrae1 My setup was a little different than yours. I didn't disassemble anything, I just hit the vertical shaft with aerokroil penetaratng oil & wiggled the stick in neutral to raise & lower the mechanism. Then, I squirted some compressor oil on that area. It's like butter now. Thanks!
I just don't have adequate words to express my gratitude to you for your generous video. I had a problem with a horribly stiff/sticky gearshift for the past few years. My normally good mechanic tested the linkage to no avail. He then replaced the gearbox oil, but no improvement. He then suggested I needed a new gearbox, which I didn't really believe. I just kind of learned to drive around the problem, but could never have given my car to anyone else. Then after a period of not driving it got worse. Even I couldn't get first or reverse. What seemed odd was that my gear lever was also stiff moving side to side in neutral. I identified where the corresponding movement was on the engine side. However your excellent video was the missing link and gave me the confidence to have a go at removing and fixing the lever. It worked a treat and I now have an absolutely perfect gear change for the first time I can remember. It is like a new car! A million times Thank You. KP, Dublin, Ireland
Thank you for the kind words! What an experience for you to go through!!!!! You might want to point your mechanic to this video! I'm lucky enough to have a really smart friend who helped me!
I think I got screwed by a mechanic about 10 years ago. I lost first gear and he said it was a tranny problem and charged me $1500 to fix it. He probably just did this.
My local garage came back with "No Fault Found" so this has been invaluable. On my RHD Golf MkIV, the lever is the other way round and it hits something solid before the pin is all the way out. Nevertheless, I was able to rub a bit of wet and dry round it in situ and, with grease, the shift feels like "as new". Many thanks for taking the trouble to record this.
Just bought a MK4 Golf 2.0 and it has the sloppiest shifter I’ve ever shifted lol. I’ll look into this because it’s driving me nuts I feel like I’m driving a manual for the first time. Great video!!!
Alan McRae went back to the auto parts store and they scanned it. It’s an 02 sensor bank one up stream easy enough to get to . The part is expensive though.
You're a star for posting this video,, my s3 8l is the same set up,,my side to side is not centering properly as it's stiff,,I knew what the problem was but wasn't too sure about disassembling it properly,,now I can tackle it because of you,,Thank-you.
Great video, really clear. Just a couple of points, 1) This will only help if the stiffness is side to side in neutral. 2) The real problem with this isn't normally the pin itself, but corrosion of the aluminium that the plastic bushes sit in, you will need to remove the bushes and clean the crud of the the aluminium housing.
Thanks for your comments. The thing is, at least with my car I never removed the bushings and it cleared all my problems up! But I appreciate your input! It does seem from your comment and others that the aluminum corrosion does "close in" on the bushing.
12:36. Great video Alan. One small suggestion. I would add a glop of grease to the opening where the plastic bushings are. If you put all your grease on the shaft, most of it will be wiped clean as you insert it. Again, really great video!
Just bought a 2004 gti and it had the same issue. Watched your video repeated the process and it shifts so smooth now. Thank you for the really great video!
@@amcrae1 it went well. The prying out wasn't quite as hard as in the video, it was a 10 minute procedure really, start to finish. I didn't have bearing grease, had to choose between engine oil or white lithium grease. Went with the lithium. Day one it was definitely night and day difference. The stiffness improved around 75% back to normal. Worth doing, but not the entire problem. And/or the lithium grease was never going to be as good? Easy enough to redo when I find something more suitable, if needed. Regular use made it go away for weeks on end after the first episode of sitting. I'm just now in the middle of the second episode of sitting weeks on end on grass. I drive it an hour, every 3rd or 4th day to keep it from freezing right up. This same corrosion will be happening in all my brake slide pins I'm sure of it. They're significantly more involved than this shifter repair. Video was perfect, easy peasy, you can do it too!
Thank you for this!! After hitting the tube with steel wool, cleaning up all the parts, and reassembling with some white lithium grease, it's so smooth that I can literally *throw* the stick out of second and have it land in third (with the engine off of course). Much appreciated.
You just saved me from buying a new gearbox for me MK4 Golf V6. It was not shifting gears every so often. Turns out it was just this relay needing cleaned an greased!! Thank you.
We've got the same issue with our Beetle. Can't do the side to side shifting without a lot of effort. Sense we have the battery out (it was dead from sitting all winter) and a coolant leak at the rear head flange assembly. So we're going to have some extra room to fight with it. This is very helpful!!
Thank you for this video. Just bought a 2003 golf gti and it was having this same issue even after upgrading the bushing in the shifter and re adjusting the cables like 3 times.
I found when I had this issue, that the pivot shaft of the relay lever wasn't rusty, but that end of the casting that holds those plastic bushings was corroded (Powdery white Aluminum corrosion instead of rusty steel). The corrosion in the hole of the casting was squeezing the bushings down, also making it VERY hard to pivot the relay lever. Had to remove the bushings after the relay lever was out, and use rolled up sandpaper to clean up the corrosion inside, and then it was smooth shifting when it was reassembled again. If you have THIS problem, you'll either find no corrosion on the shaft, or you'll still find it still too tight after you clean up your rusty shaft.
How did you remove the bushing? My relay lever is plastic and I have snapped off the pivot shaft inside the aluminium tube. I can’t seem to remove the broken shaft/bushings
Thank you for posting this video. My daughter's GTI is having the same issue and I was going to take it in to the dealership to fix, but thanks to you, I'll attempt it on my own.
Thanks for this video! Someone on a forum website mentioned this for my issue. My 05 GLI has recently been getting stuck in reverse as well. I usually have to turn the car off and then almost forcefully get it out of reverse. Usually I can turn the car off and back on to get it out of reverse. It also recently developed an issue where it can be difficult to go into first. Other than those two gears mine still shifts pretty good. I'm hoping to try this fix soon to see if it helps with my issues!
Thx a lot for this video I had issue with my 2006 Jetta first second and reverse gear shift. I used to use two hands and even I used to beat the gear shift stick in Order get into first gear. I followed your steps and It did the magic. Thx a lot once again
Hi Thanks from the U.K. for the video. It helped me solve the same problem on a 2010 VW Touran 1.9 TDi. After the vehicle was unused for weeks during Covid19 lockdown, it was almost impossible to move the gear stick across the neutral gate. In my case the relay lever at the end of the cable is plastic. The cable easily pulls off it (there's no clip to remove) and then the small plastic clip at the end of the stuck pin is removed. I couldn't pry at all because the plastic would have snapped. By pulling the shifter into the gearbox up and down at the same time as trying to pull the lever out, meant that it slowly slowly twisted out. I was really surprised to find that the pin is plastic through the aluminium of the gearbox housing. I used copper grease and lo and behold it loosened up. Popped it all back in and it's great. Thanks again
@@thepeak190 I just used deep creep spray and using a crowbar and hammer it came free. After sanding it and applying lubricant back in and it works perfectly as it should! Thanks! )
Oh please god let this be my problem!!! Just sent my car to the shop and they said it’s a possible linkage problem. As fast as you did that, I could have my car by tomorrow or so.
Thanks dude, you're a lifesaver. This was enough info to do the job 8pm in the dark (and raining). Was a bitch getting the lever out, required a small jemmy (crowbar) and the casting bracket was flexing slightly so was worried I would shear it off. 200 wet and dry then finish on the buffing wheel. Also ran a 10mm drill by hand through the bush to clear any burrs. Works like a charm. OMG silky smooth gearchange! (this will take some getting used to)
Sorry for the delay in response. Cleaning and regreasing did help but it wasn't the majority of my problem. Somehow through the years of hard shifts I managed to break my shift cable clip that holds those lines still so I was creating a lot of slack which mimicked a shift cable end malfunctioning. I replace the ends and the clip and didn't have to take out the gearbox or anything. Problem solved. I hope this helps and good luck
Also, there are helpful videos that show you how to lock the transmission. There's a spring-loaded pin you turn 90 degrees while pushing the shift weight down. If you end up having to replace the shift cable ends locking it will put the thread in the right place so you don't over or under extend them.
Thanks for the video Alan. I have a 2004 Audi A4 that is particularly tricky getting into 2nd gear. I'll give this a try for sure after seeing your success. All the best from the UK! 👍🚗
thank you so much, I have the exact same problem with the 05 golf I just purchased and couldn't figure out what the source of the issue was but I'm going to try this and see if it fixes my issue as well. ill check back once I do it.
Good man! My mk4 2.slow clunks into first and reverse sometimes but otherwise runs great. I think this is may be the culprit. It will be the first thing I'll check. Thank for the vid! 🍻👍
Yes. Just put the car in neutral and see if you can move that relay lever by hand (maybe disconnect the two clips fand cables first)... if you can't then its a problem.
Great video but Before i do this, i want to explain my problem. And im not sure if i need a whole new transmission. My cars been sitting for 7 years Beacuse of a reverse problem. I throw it in 1st, it feels like im in 3rd from how slow it is. I throw it in 3rd and shes like a racecar. Would this fix my issue?
Bill... Just an FYI. Read the instructions on the grease because some greases will wear out your bushings prematurely. Some greases are made to be used on metal to metal contacts only while others are safe on rubber and plastics.
My car started of doing this, and now it doesn't stay in second. I can put it in, but when I let go of the clutch, the poke start vibrating and shoots into a spot between neutral and second and you can hear the gears grind. Would this fix my problem? Or do I have to replace my entire transmission?
Thank you so much for the video I have a 1986 jetta and my linkage is bad now thanks to you I know what to do and how to fix it thank you so much. (Edit:) it worked my shifting is good as new thanks a lot for the video my car is up and running again thanks to you.
Hi Alan, I have the same issue with the third gear on my golf 7, if i want to shift faster and pull up harder the gear doesn’t want to enter. I already changed the gear oil. I drives better but i keep having the problem when the engine warms up an i do a pull. So i think it mayby would be the sale thing as you showed in your video. If i do this, do i have to blok someting to not mix up the gears setup? Just putting in neutral and then detache the cables would be ok no?
I have a 1997 automatic Polo. During cold starts it doesn’t go forward, only in reverse. After a few minutes it will move forward. What could be the reason?
Brother I hope that this will fix the prob I have Sometimes shifts Sometimes shifts hardly Sometimes doesn't get in gear at all Thanks for the tip really I hope and tomorrow I'll jump on that part 😅
@@amcrae1 no bro it went even worse Now i can shift when the car is off bu as soon i turn it on it wont go to any gear I can get it in 1st then turn on the car and with the clutch fully pressed to the end the car is starting to go forward but slow so i parked it and left it like that idk what is wrong with the car now But thanks for the vid and respect from macedonia
@@ChudGippity Does it feel like the shifter works for all the gear positions when the car is off????? If the car wants to move with the clutch pushed in, then the problem must be in the clutch mechanism . I'll check with my vw buddy and see what he says.
@@amcrae1 yeah bro all gears shift like butter and then turn on and the car is not getting in any gear and i gave it to some guy on my street to try to check it .. he comes back driving the car after 5 min saying that I'm crazy and he never touched better shifter in his life... So today came i have to go to hospital and of course the car is doing the same thing forcing me to walk and run from police who chase me to write me ticket of 2000 euros for not wearing mask. Idk what to do if you want ask your friend but i will sub to this channel of yours so I can write you if I end up in some foreign land with this car of mine that hates only me 🤣
@@ChudGippity First off, you should find that guy who had the car run fine and watch how he drives!!! Maybe there's some clue about the way he worked the clutch or something... Meanwhile, I spoke to my VW friend. If the car shifts while not running but won't shift while it IS running, then the clutch plate is not lifting off the flywheel. There could be a few reasons for this. It could be a bad master brake cylinder which feeds the brake fluid down to the hydraulic cylinder that in turn pushes the lever to free up the clutch. Or, it could be a bad hydraulic cylinder down at the transmission OR that cylinder might need to be bled. They usu have a nipple for that purpose. Or you could have a failing clutch plate that is "sticking" to the flywheel. What would be key is to see what that guy did to make the car run right. My friend also says that if you have a failing hydraulic cylinder the clutch usually pedal usually doesn't come back on its own. He asked how the clutch pedal feels....but i couldn't tell him since we had never discussed it!!!!! The first thing that i would do is see if you can get in a position to see the lever on the tranny and have some else push the clutch pedal and see if the lever moves enough!!!!
I will try this on my 2008. Mk5 gti. I've been having bad shifting issues having to push very hard to get into 1st and reverse. I will check my bushings as well I'm but north east Canada lots of salt.
I just repaired another VW for the same thing..... first and reverse had gone missing! In this case, it was ALSO the relay lever. It did have one additional problem... the stiff relay lever had also caused the plastic shift cable end... to break on one of the cables. So look for that as well.... FYI it was the cable on towards the passenger side that makes the shifting linkage go up and down!
@@amcrae1 I was working on the 2008 GTI last night. Turns out this video sent me I the right direction ny shift cable end links were badly dry rotted my side to side end link the rubber fell apart as soon as I took it off the bracket. The side to side bracket itself was very stiff. I could barely move it with my hands. Turns out it's also made of plastic. I ordered a new metal one off diesel geek online and tbey said in the description that this is a normal problem with plastic brackets from 08-14. It broke off on me and I had to get the plastic piece of of the aluminum tube took a few hours i got crafty crafty a larger nail and a touch then when it came free I cleaned it out with a brass brush. New parts are on order ill keep you updated :)
And if you roll forward with 2-3mph an fully clutch in and try to change into reverse but keeping the clutch there fully pressed, does it make a crunchy noise? Mine does that, unless I fully stop the car using the brakes.
@@amcrae1 thanks for the fast reply! So I'm located in the Northeast part of the USA. I've had my 03 golf 2.0 since Sept 2018 and since then I've had no issues with my gearbox. Fast forward to the beginning of this month and for the first time ever, my car would get stuck in park almost every morning. The only solution I've found so far is to let it warm up and eventually I can put the car into reverse. I'm not sure how to fix it thus came across your video.
@@misstaiwan I will ask my VW friend for you tomorrow and post his answer!!!! I know that there is a brake to shifter connection (locking system), so that you can't shift unless you have the brake pedal down... maybe that's getting funky.
@@misstaiwan www.vwvortex.com/threads/transmission-shift-lever-stuck-in-park-or-key-will-not-come-out-of-ignition.2292493/?id=2292493 here is someone discussing the same issue. I'm guessing you probably have a failing brake light switch which is quite inexpensive to replace. The brake light switch not only turns on your brake lights (it would be interesting to see if they come on when you are having this problem) but it also UNLOCKS the shifter!!!!!! All in all this is probably good news and simple to repair.
Alan McRae him love your video so clear and precise' can you please tell me we're I can buy the gear relay leverage for a 04 vw caddy' many thanks' Paul.
I can't remember.... but i think sometimes it was easier to shift with the engine off. I know that when i was making the video i had to pretend to have the shifter be harder because all of a sudden it was working better.
I have a 01 TDI golf MK4 I followed your steps but I cannot get the linkage to come out. Did you spray it with penetrating oil? Any other help would be appreciated.
It wouldn't hurt to put some penetrating oil... i just forced it out. You could also use a small wedge (chisel) in the seam to get the shaft at least started...
@@amcrae1 Happy to say after I sprayed it with deep creep, then, after releasing the clip with a crowbar I tapping it using a hammer and it came free. Sanded it greased it put it back in and now it works like a charm! Thank you so much for the studio! 👍👍👍
Bought the same car yesterday when shifting from second to 3rd it went into first 5th gear felt like neutral I heard a loud bang the clutch is to the floor and also the gear shifter is snapped ?
i have a mk6 gti 6 speed with the issue of stiff side to side movement making it hard to get into 5th and 6th. i'm going to try this this weekend and let yall know if this worked
@MCRIZZLE1 so I did do this but it didn't solve my issue. I think one of the bushings in the shifter box in the cabin went out because I'm getting the same results even with my shifter linkages removed from transmission.very hard to go side to side and won't even go over to 5th and 6th. Luckily I have a spare shifter linkage from the scrap yard that works normally. I will say that your fix will solve most of the issues in cars that are in the rust belt with that stiff side to side. 🍻 cheers
That car may have an oil cooler on top of the transmission. That cooler may have two hollow bolts that hold it to the tranny. Those bolts carry oil AND have o rings that sometimes fail.
The only gear that wont go in is 5th gear for me. Will this fix it? Cant find any other videos of a mk4 golf only missing 5th gear. All the other gears are smooth just when i go to 5th i can never get it in no matter how hard i push.
I have a different one on my gt turbo and a metal spike thing on the end has broken and won't take the clip.. on top of that the thing won't slide out as another large part is in the way
my 2003 vw beetle after being drove by my ex has now become really hard to shift gears wen engine running but fine wen engine not running I've checked fluid that's fine there was no whining from gearbox or clutch slipping before do u think this could help i already looked at these wasn't sure how to adjust until now
Well I tried it and it didn't work for me. As soon as I took off the clips, the shaft pulled right out, by hand. At that point, I knew it wasn't going to help. I went ahead and sanded the corrosion from the shaft and greased it up anyway.
@@amcrae1 My mechanic called today and it's a bushing at the bottom of the shifter, that basically is worn to the point of not being there. VW only sells the complete shifter, so he found a place that sells the bushing out of a better material than the original. It won't be here until Thursday. A huge savings over the VW dealer option.
Need help? I have a 03 Jetta vr6 6 speed. So the problem is my x was driving and she said when she would put it in gear R and 1st she would rev and then it would jerk and sound like it would jerk into gear and go. So the next day I drove it jumped on he highway and as I’m shifting to 3rd gear I heard a loud pop and everything went to crap now it will go into all gears fine but as I let off the clutch peddle it it won’t move go or Anything something grind under my clutch as I let off the peddle any help guys?
I have a 2011 & almost got in a bad driving situation due to the shifting getting progressivly worse. Feels like im going to break the lever off! Im going to do this today. Old video still helping pepole, you're awesome & so is RUclips for this exact reason. Thank you so much!
I hope this works for you!!!!
@amcrae1 My setup was a little different than yours. I didn't disassemble anything, I just hit the vertical shaft with aerokroil penetaratng oil & wiggled the stick in neutral to raise & lower the mechanism. Then, I squirted some compressor oil on that area. It's like butter now. Thanks!
@@tinbenderbear4631 That is amazing! Good catch! So glad that this video at least pointed you in the right direction!
I just don't have adequate words to express my gratitude to you for your generous video.
I had a problem with a horribly stiff/sticky gearshift for the past few years. My normally good mechanic tested the linkage to no avail.
He then replaced the gearbox oil, but no improvement. He then suggested I needed a new gearbox, which I didn't really believe.
I just kind of learned to drive around the problem, but could never have given my car to anyone else.
Then after a period of not driving it got worse. Even I couldn't get first or reverse.
What seemed odd was that my gear lever was also stiff moving side to side in neutral.
I identified where the corresponding movement was on the engine side.
However your excellent video was the missing link and gave me the confidence to have a go at removing and fixing the lever.
It worked a treat and I now have an absolutely perfect gear change for the first time I can remember. It is like a new car!
A million times Thank You.
KP, Dublin, Ireland
Thank you for the kind words! What an experience for you to go through!!!!! You might want to point your mechanic to this video! I'm lucky enough to have a really smart friend who helped me!
HandofHenri I think you need a new mechanic
I think I got screwed by a mechanic about 10 years ago. I lost first gear and he said it was a tranny problem and charged me $1500 to fix it. He probably just did this.
My local garage came back with "No Fault Found" so this has been invaluable. On my RHD Golf MkIV, the lever is the other way round and it hits something solid before the pin is all the way out. Nevertheless, I was able to rub a bit of wet and dry round it in situ and, with grease, the shift feels like "as new". Many thanks for taking the trouble to record this.
That's great news and thank you! If it's hitting "something" solid, I'm guessing that there's an alternate way to remove it. Good luck!
Just bought a MK4 Golf 2.0 and it has the sloppiest shifter I’ve ever shifted lol. I’ll look into this because it’s driving me nuts I feel like I’m driving a manual for the first time. Great video!!!
Let us know how it goes, please!
@@amcrae1 once I take care of the rough idle problem in I will do that.
@@kevinnorwood7355 Rough idle.... I'd start with a basic tune-up. Have you gotten a computer read out on your engine?
Alan McRae went back to the auto parts store and they scanned it. It’s an 02 sensor bank one up stream easy enough to get to . The part is expensive though.
I bought a heavily used 2005 jetta 2.5l. It has a very hard time shifting and I think this will help immensely. Thank you sir!
Let us know if it works!!! :)
You're a star for posting this video,, my s3 8l is the same set up,,my side to side is not centering properly as it's stiff,,I knew what the problem was but wasn't too sure about disassembling it properly,,now I can tackle it because of you,,Thank-you.
Great video, really clear. Just a couple of points, 1) This will only help if the stiffness is side to side in neutral. 2) The real problem with this isn't normally the pin itself, but corrosion of the aluminium that the plastic bushes sit in, you will need to remove the bushes and clean the crud of the the aluminium housing.
Thanks for your comments. The thing is, at least with my car I never removed the bushings and it cleared all my problems up! But I appreciate your input! It does seem from your comment and others that the aluminum corrosion does "close in" on the bushing.
12:36. Great video Alan. One small suggestion. I would add a glop of grease to the opening where the plastic bushings are. If you put all your grease on the shaft, most of it will be wiped clean as you insert it. Again, really great video!
Just bought a 2004 gti and it had the same issue. Watched your video repeated the process and it shifts so smooth now. Thank you for the really great video!
Super cool!!! Thanks for letting me know. This is a really common problem!
Thank you, I'll be doing this this afternoon.
Best of luck!!!!
Let us know how it goes!!!
@@amcrae1 it went well. The prying out wasn't quite as hard as in the video, it was a 10 minute procedure really, start to finish. I didn't have bearing grease, had to choose between engine oil or white lithium grease. Went with the lithium. Day one it was definitely night and day difference. The stiffness improved around 75% back to normal. Worth doing, but not the entire problem. And/or the lithium grease was never going to be as good? Easy enough to redo when I find something more suitable, if needed. Regular use made it go away for weeks on end after the first episode of sitting. I'm just now in the middle of the second episode of sitting weeks on end on grass. I drive it an hour, every 3rd or 4th day to keep it from freezing right up. This same corrosion will be happening in all my brake slide pins I'm sure of it. They're significantly more involved than this shifter repair.
Video was perfect, easy peasy, you can do it too!
@@13jcar13thanks for your update!!!
Thank you for this!! After hitting the tube with steel wool, cleaning up all the parts, and reassembling with some white lithium grease, it's so smooth that I can literally *throw* the stick out of second and have it land in third (with the engine off of course). Much appreciated.
Probably one of the best fixit videos I’ve seen. Now to try this on my car. ❤️
Awesome! Thank you!
You just saved me from buying a new gearbox for me MK4 Golf V6. It was not shifting gears every so often. Turns out it was just this relay needing cleaned an greased!! Thank you.
That is SO awesome. Thanks a million for letting me know!
Thank you for taking the time to diagnose and film this. I have an 08 rabbit with the same issue. Great quick,to the point video.
golf you fuckwitt
After watching other videos which did not cure the problem. Watched your video and a big thankyou to you as all is sorted
Thanks...so glad it helped.
We've got the same issue with our Beetle. Can't do the side to side shifting without a lot of effort. Sense we have the battery out (it was dead from sitting all winter) and a coolant leak at the rear head flange assembly. So we're going to have some extra room to fight with it.
This is very helpful!!
Thanks! I'm guessing the Beetle has a nearly identical set up.
Thank you for this video. Just bought a 2003 golf gti and it was having this same issue even after upgrading the bushing in the shifter and re adjusting the cables like 3 times.
Thanks! Hope it works like a charm for you!
How did it go is it fixed
I found when I had this issue, that the pivot shaft of the relay lever wasn't rusty, but that end of the casting that holds those plastic bushings was corroded (Powdery white Aluminum corrosion instead of rusty steel).
The corrosion in the hole of the casting was squeezing the bushings down, also making it VERY hard to pivot the relay lever. Had to remove the bushings after the relay lever was out, and use rolled up sandpaper to clean up the corrosion inside, and then it was smooth shifting when it was reassembled again.
If you have THIS problem, you'll either find no corrosion on the shaft, or you'll still find it still too tight after you clean up your rusty shaft.
Excellent post! Thanks for this comment!!!
I added your comment to the video description, too!!! Thanks again!
This is a great comment... I need to try to figure out how to highlight this!!!
This is my issue
How did you remove the bushing? My relay lever is plastic and I have snapped off the pivot shaft inside the aluminium tube. I can’t seem to remove the broken shaft/bushings
Thank you for posting this!! Solved my problem. Could not get into reverse and barley could get into first.
Thanks for letting me know!
Thank you for posting this video. My daughter's GTI is having the same issue and I was going to take it in to the dealership to fix, but thanks to you, I'll attempt it on my own.
You can do it!!!! Thanks!!
Thanks for this video! Someone on a forum website mentioned this for my issue. My 05 GLI has recently been getting stuck in reverse as well. I usually have to turn the car off and then almost forcefully get it out of reverse. Usually I can turn the car off and back on to get it out of reverse. It also recently developed an issue where it can be difficult to go into first. Other than those two gears mine still shifts pretty good. I'm hoping to try this fix soon to see if it helps with my issues!
Bet it will!!!!!
I have a 2008 MK5 and after watching this video I identified the similar components. Thank you very much for making the video!
That's great to know this applies to later models! Thanks for commenting.
Thx a lot for this video I had issue with my 2006 Jetta first second and reverse gear shift. I used to use two hands and even I used to beat the gear shift stick in Order get into first gear. I followed your steps and It did the magic. Thx a lot once again
Thanks! Good work!
Thank you so much for this video!!! Linkage was rusted up and seized! Pb blaster took care of it and you saved the day!
haha... that's great! Eventually, though, I'm guessing you'll have to do the grease thing!!! (or keep the pb blaster ready at all times)
Hi Thanks from the U.K. for the video. It helped me solve the same problem on a 2010 VW Touran 1.9 TDi. After the vehicle was unused for weeks during Covid19 lockdown, it was almost impossible to move the gear stick across the neutral gate.
In my case the relay lever at the end of the cable is plastic. The cable easily pulls off it (there's no clip to remove) and then the small plastic clip at the end of the stuck pin is removed. I couldn't pry at all because the plastic would have snapped. By pulling the shifter into the gearbox up and down at the same time as trying to pull the lever out, meant that it slowly slowly twisted out.
I was really surprised to find that the pin is plastic through the aluminium of the gearbox housing. I used copper grease and lo and behold it loosened up. Popped it all back in and it's great. Thanks again
Thanks for this great post!!!!!
I can’t get the lever with the pin to slide out. Yes I took the clip on the end off but it still won’t move.
@@overthetopblues what lubricant do you have? Silicon spray works well but WD40 also.
@@thepeak190
Yes I’ve tried WD-40… I will continue trying. Thx! )
@@thepeak190 I just used deep creep spray and using a crowbar and hammer it came free. After sanding it and applying lubricant back in and it works perfectly as it should! Thanks! )
I'm going to try this tomorrow, thanks so much for this man! You're right, this is exactly what the Internet should be for.
Oh please god let this be my problem!!! Just sent my car to the shop and they said it’s a possible linkage problem. As fast as you did that, I could have my car by tomorrow or so.
It probably is. This is a super common problem, as you can see from the number of views on this video!!!! Good luck!!!
Thanks dude, you're a lifesaver. This was enough info to do the job 8pm in the dark (and raining). Was a bitch getting the lever out, required a small jemmy (crowbar) and the casting bracket was flexing slightly so was worried I would shear it off. 200 wet and dry then finish on the buffing wheel. Also ran a 10mm drill by hand through the bush to clear any burrs. Works like a charm. OMG silky smooth gearchange! (this will take some getting used to)
Thanks for the kind words!!! You're a beast that you were able to do this in the dark and rain!!!
What year/model VW do you have, madmax?
Actually its a 2001 Seat leon but same VW transmission. Was easy to find the offending part even though UK LH drive
That's great to know that this applies across other cars!
When you had this problem pre fix, did it improve through the day with driving and then appear again the next day. Great video.
It was intermittently bad, yes.
I started with the shifter cable ends myself and it helped but not 100% fixed. I'm going to be taking out the lever now, thanks for the share
Best of luck! Post your results if you can!!
Did u sort ur problem out going to try on mine now and see what’s what
Sorry for the delay in response. Cleaning and regreasing did help but it wasn't the majority of my problem. Somehow through the years of hard shifts I managed to break my shift cable clip that holds those lines still so I was creating a lot of slack which mimicked a shift cable end malfunctioning. I replace the ends and the clip and didn't have to take out the gearbox or anything. Problem solved. I hope this helps and good luck
Also, there are helpful videos that show you how to lock the transmission. There's a spring-loaded pin you turn 90 degrees while pushing the shift weight down. If you end up having to replace the shift cable ends locking it will put the thread in the right place so you don't over or under extend them.
Nice fix!!!! Congratulations and thanks for posting this for others to see!
I follow your step with a lot silicone spray Not removed After few km my car shifting work like butter Thank you soo much Monay saver
That's great that you solved your problem with lubricant!
Thank you!, now I have to go to work on it. Like Ireland, mechanic said gear box to.
Aloha from Maui!
Hoping for the best for you. It is a very common problem!
Any relation to Colin?!? 😂. Thanks for this video 🙌🏾. Helped me a LOT
Thanks!!! No relation!!!
Thanks for the video Alan. I have a 2004 Audi A4 that is particularly tricky getting into 2nd gear. I'll give this a try for sure after seeing your success. All the best from the UK! 👍🚗
I'll bet it works!! Thanks for the comment!
Nice job, thumb up, the same happens in every Golf if it seats for to long, the same happen in my MK6 2.0 TDI.
Thanks for sharing. This fixed my shifting problem...and probably alot of money.
Thanks for the feedback!
I’ve been looking for a video like this forever, I’ve had the same problem since i bought the car. Thank you so much i will try this.
Let us know how it goes!
@@amcrae1 where is it located ?
@@qwert123183 Where is WHAT located????
Good job friend ! You saved a lot of money from a garage.
Nice video. A more common problem is a bushing in the shifter itself that controls the 1-2-R positions. Every little bit of slop adds up.
I had exact same problem. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
thank you so much, I have the exact same problem with the 05 golf I just purchased and couldn't figure out what the source of the issue was but I'm going to try this and see if it fixes my issue as well. ill check back once I do it.
Yes, try moving the relay lever by hand a little bit and you'll see if it's sticking!
Alan McRae Alright ill try that
How did it go?
@@kboyrider2010 did you fixed it?
@@eddiegolden9139 yes actually I did but I ended up having to change the bushings aswell in the shifter linkage.
Ive got this problem going into 3rd gear i am going to give this ago. Thankyou for this absolutely great video mate! 👍
Thanks!!!!!
thanks, this was my problem all fixed now audi a3 18t year 2000
Thanks for commenting! So glad it helped.
Good man! My mk4 2.slow clunks into first and reverse sometimes but otherwise runs great. I think this is may be the culprit. It will be the first thing I'll check. Thank for the vid! 🍻👍
Yes. Just put the car in neutral and see if you can move that relay lever by hand (maybe disconnect the two clips fand cables first)... if you can't then its a problem.
Great video but Before i do this, i want to explain my problem. And im not sure if i need a whole new transmission. My cars been sitting for 7 years Beacuse of a reverse problem. I throw it in 1st, it feels like im in 3rd from how slow it is. I throw it in 3rd and shes like a racecar. Would this fix my issue?
yes, most likely. And it's an easy fix. And why in the world wouldn't you TRY it!!!!!
I’m having the same problem, now I’m going to try out the same thing you did 👌🏻
Let us know how it goes!
It worked! Shifts easier and my reverse works finally 🙌🏻
How about that?! So glad that this worked for you!
Please consider subscribing to my channel!
AMAZING VIDEO. DIDNT THINK OF USING A PRY BAR LIKE THAT.
Thank you for posting this video...you helped me find and fix the shifting issues I was having with my 2002 vw beetle.
That's great.... it makes sense since the Beetles have the same engine!!!
Did you have a part number for the relay lever?
Thank you for your video, it’s nice to share.
Thanks Alan! Question: what brand/kind of grease should I use? I'm gonna attempt this repair in a couple of weeks. Thanks!
Hi! I think that any all purpose grease would be fine!!!
@@amcrae1 Do you think Lucas Oil 10301 would work? This is my first repair, and not sure where to start, i.e. lots of greases to choose from
@@question_asker_93 I'm sure that would be fine!
Bill... Just an FYI. Read the instructions on the grease because some greases will wear out your bushings prematurely. Some greases are made to be used on metal to metal contacts only while others are safe on rubber and plastics.
@@SanchoSanto Thanks, very interesting!
My car started of doing this, and now it doesn't stay in second. I can put it in, but when I let go of the clutch, the poke start vibrating and shoots into a spot between neutral and second and you can hear the gears grind. Would this fix my problem? Or do I have to replace my entire transmission?
Useful video.....you have just saved me a lot of time and effort!!
Thanks so much!
Thanks for the vid I been having problems between 2nd and third hopefully this dose the trick 👍🏾
Help please!!! I pulled the clip off but cannot get the pin to slide out. Any help would be appreciated. Thx
Thank you so much for the video I have a 1986 jetta and my linkage is bad now thanks to you I know what to do and how to fix it thank you so much. (Edit:) it worked my shifting is good as new thanks a lot for the video my car is up and running again thanks to you.
Best of luck! Thanks for your comment!
Hi Alan,
I have the same issue with the third gear on my golf 7, if i want to shift faster and pull up harder the gear doesn’t want to enter. I already changed the gear oil.
I drives better but i keep having the problem when the engine warms up an i do a pull.
So i think it mayby would be the sale thing as you showed in your video.
If i do this, do i have to blok someting to not mix up the gears setup? Just putting in neutral and then detache the cables would be ok no?
You don't have to do anything special.
@@amcrae1 Thanks i will give it a try.
I have a 1997 automatic Polo. During cold starts it doesn’t go forward, only in reverse. After a few minutes it will move forward. What could be the reason?
Brother I hope that this will fix the prob I have
Sometimes shifts
Sometimes shifts hardly
Sometimes doesn't get in gear at all
Thanks for the tip really I hope and tomorrow I'll jump on that part 😅
This will fix it I'll bet!!! Write back! You've got this!
@@amcrae1 no bro it went even worse Now i can shift when the car is off bu as soon i turn it on it wont go to any gear I can get it in 1st then turn on the car and with the clutch fully pressed to the end the car is starting to go forward but slow so i parked it and left it like that idk what is wrong with the car now But thanks for the vid and respect from macedonia
@@ChudGippity Does it feel like the shifter works for all the gear positions when the car is off????? If the car wants to move with the clutch pushed in, then the problem must be in the clutch mechanism . I'll check with my vw buddy and see what he says.
@@amcrae1 yeah bro all gears shift like butter and then turn on and the car is not getting in any gear and i gave it to some guy on my street to try to check it .. he comes back driving the car after 5 min saying that I'm crazy and he never touched better shifter in his life...
So today came i have to go to hospital and of course the car is doing the same thing forcing me to walk and run from police who chase me to write me ticket of 2000 euros for not wearing mask.
Idk what to do if you want ask your friend but i will sub to this channel of yours so I can write you if I end up in some foreign land with this car of mine that hates only me 🤣
@@ChudGippity First off, you should find that guy who had the car run fine and watch how he drives!!! Maybe there's some clue about the way he worked the clutch or something... Meanwhile, I spoke to my VW friend. If the car shifts while not running but won't shift while it IS running, then the clutch plate is not lifting off the flywheel. There could be a few reasons for this. It could be a bad master brake cylinder which feeds the brake fluid down to the hydraulic cylinder that in turn pushes the lever to free up the clutch. Or, it could be a bad hydraulic cylinder down at the transmission OR that cylinder might need to be bled. They usu have a nipple for that purpose. Or you could have a failing clutch plate that is "sticking" to the flywheel. What would be key is to see what that guy did to make the car run right. My friend also says that if you have a failing hydraulic cylinder the clutch usually pedal usually doesn't come back on its own. He asked how the clutch pedal feels....but i couldn't tell him since we had never discussed it!!!!! The first thing that i would do is see if you can get in a position to see the lever on the tranny and have some else push the clutch pedal and see if the lever moves enough!!!!
I will try this on my 2008. Mk5 gti. I've been having bad shifting issues having to push very hard to get into 1st and reverse. I will check my bushings as well I'm but north east Canada lots of salt.
I just repaired another VW for the same thing..... first and reverse had gone missing!
In this case, it was ALSO the relay lever. It did have one additional problem... the stiff relay lever had also caused the plastic shift cable end... to break on one of the cables. So look for that as well.... FYI it was the cable on towards the passenger side that makes the shifting linkage go up and down!
Please write back after you give it a try!!! I think you've GOT this!!!!!
@@amcrae1 absolutely will thanks so much :)
@@amcrae1 I was working on the 2008 GTI last night. Turns out this video sent me I the right direction ny shift cable end links were badly dry rotted my side to side end link the rubber fell apart as soon as I took it off the bracket. The side to side bracket itself was very stiff. I could barely move it with my hands. Turns out it's also made of plastic. I ordered a new metal one off diesel geek online and tbey said in the description that this is a normal problem with plastic brackets from 08-14. It broke off on me and I had to get the plastic piece of of the aluminum tube took a few hours i got crafty crafty a larger nail and a touch then when it came free I cleaned it out with a brass brush. New parts are on order ill keep you updated :)
@@hobbyavenue6740 NICE WORK!!!!
And if you roll forward with 2-3mph an fully clutch in and try to change into reverse but keeping the clutch there fully pressed, does it make a crunchy noise? Mine does that, unless I fully stop the car using the brakes.
My 2002 just stsrted this today. Thank you!
It really works!!! Thanks!
Thank you so much, great video, just what I was looking for.
You're welcome... I was lucky enough to get this info. from my VW friend!
Awesome u r a life n cash saver. Keep doing the good work for humanity
Thanks so much!!!
Great video! Is this just for manuals or is it applicable to automatics as well?
This is for manual shifts. I'm not too familiar with the automatics. Are you having trouble shifting?
@@amcrae1 thanks for the fast reply! So I'm located in the Northeast part of the USA. I've had my 03 golf 2.0 since Sept 2018 and since then I've had no issues with my gearbox. Fast forward to the beginning of this month and for the first time ever, my car would get stuck in park almost every morning. The only solution I've found so far is to let it warm up and eventually I can put the car into reverse. I'm not sure how to fix it thus came across your video.
@@misstaiwan I will ask my VW friend for you tomorrow and post his answer!!!! I know that there is a brake to shifter connection (locking system), so that you can't shift unless you have the brake pedal down... maybe that's getting funky.
@@misstaiwan www.vwvortex.com/threads/transmission-shift-lever-stuck-in-park-or-key-will-not-come-out-of-ignition.2292493/?id=2292493 here is someone discussing the same issue. I'm guessing you probably have a failing brake light switch which is quite inexpensive to replace. The brake light switch not only turns on your brake lights (it would be interesting to see if they come on when you are having this problem) but it also UNLOCKS the shifter!!!!!! All in all this is probably good news and simple to repair.
Hi Giselle.. i hope you saw my other responses!!!
Dieselgeek has those 2 split bushings for the shifter lever. Much better quality then vw
I bought a few things from him over the years for my 01 Golf TDI. Figured I'd get his short shifter if/when the stock one wears out.
Thank you so much for this
You're welcome! I hope it helps!
Sir I lost those pins to hold the cable in place.. metallic pin.. what to do sir.. how to get those. Eplase help me sir
I'm sure a VW dealer will have them! They shouldn't cost very much!
www.idparts.com/shift-tower-washer-clip-n91225101-n90815903-p-2599.html here they are for 70 cents!
www.idparts.com/shift-tower-washer-clip-n91225101-n90815903-p-2599.html
Thank you very much sir.
@@healthywealthy1449 You're welcome! Good luck with your car!!!!
Perfect fix for me, many thanks for posting this
Thanks for writing!!! Nice to be able to shift again!!
Wow I will do this before I look at opening up my gearbow. What if.. what if.. Then I have really done a good deal.
Same problem here, Thanks for the share👍
Thanks! I thought I was going to need a need transmission until my friend explained this!!
Alan McRae him love your video so clear and precise' can you please tell me we're I can buy the gear relay leverage for a 04 vw caddy' many thanks' Paul.
hi Alan!
yes we are learning from your experience
thanks
:-)
Farid
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing the info, i have a friend having troubles with theirs, maybe this will help
It's a real good chance that this might do it!
Great honest video Alan, was the shifter hard to engage with engine on or off or both?
I can't remember.... but i think sometimes it was easier to shift with the engine off. I know that when i was making the video i had to pretend to have the shifter be harder because all of a sudden it was working better.
I have a 01 TDI golf MK4 I followed your steps but I cannot get the linkage to come out. Did you spray it with penetrating oil? Any other help would be appreciated.
It wouldn't hurt to put some penetrating oil... i just forced it out. You could also use a small wedge (chisel) in the seam to get the shaft at least started...
Your shifting must be miserable!!!
@@amcrae1 ok thank you. I’ll keep trying! )
@@amcrae1 Happy to say after I sprayed it with deep creep, then, after releasing the clip with a crowbar I tapping it using a hammer and it came free. Sanded it greased it put it back in and now it works like a charm! Thank you so much for the studio! 👍👍👍
Bought the same car yesterday when shifting from second to 3rd it went into first 5th gear felt like neutral I heard a loud bang the clutch is to the floor and also the gear shifter is snapped ?
Hi Matt, did you get my other replies? For some reason i don't see them here?
i have a mk6 gti 6 speed with the issue of stiff side to side movement making it hard to get into 5th and 6th. i'm going to try this this weekend and let yall know if this worked
Thanks!!! Would love to hear!
@MCRIZZLE1 so I did do this but it didn't solve my issue. I think one of the bushings in the shifter box in the cabin went out because I'm getting the same results even with my shifter linkages removed from transmission.very hard to go side to side and won't even go over to 5th and 6th. Luckily I have a spare shifter linkage from the scrap yard that works normally. I will say that your fix will solve most of the issues in cars that are in the rust belt with that stiff side to side. 🍻 cheers
@@roaringpines Thanks so much for the follow up!
We have a 2005 vw gulf it’s a diesel 5 speed automatic there it transmission fluid coming out from under the battery could you tell me what goes there
That car may have an oil cooler on top of the transmission. That cooler may have two hollow bolts that hold it to the tranny. Those bolts carry oil AND have o rings that sometimes fail.
Thanks great video I believe I’m having the same problem
Good luck!!! I bet this will work!
Thanks for your knowledge' saved me a few quid' 👍.
Did the problem came back or still good till now?
Still good!!!!!
Thank you man,i wil try on my golf also .🙏
Don't worry Alan I did.
He's a friend so I took pleasure in shaming him! :)
Again thank you.
If your ever in Dublin I'll buy you a pint of Guinness.😄
One favor...subscribe to my channel, if you don't mind!
The only gear that wont go in is 5th gear for me. Will this fix it? Cant find any other videos of a mk4 golf only missing 5th gear. All the other gears are smooth just when i go to 5th i can never get it in no matter how hard i push.
BTW 5th gear just stopped going in yesterday everyday before then there was no problems.
It probably will! And this really isn't a difficult operation!
Nice work congrats
Thanks!!
I have a different one on my gt turbo and a metal spike thing on the end has broken and won't take the clip.. on top of that the thing won't slide out as another large part is in the way
What year is your gt?????
@@amcrae1 2008
Exactly what I needed to know, thank you!
my 2003 vw beetle after being drove by my ex has now become really hard to shift gears wen engine running but fine wen engine not running I've checked fluid that's fine there was no whining from gearbox or clutch slipping before do u think this could help i already looked at these wasn't sure how to adjust until now
It could be! Disconnect the shifting cables and see if the lever turns by hand... if it's too stiff to turn by hand then it's probably the same issue.
OK I'll try tomorrow thanks
OK I'll try tomorrow thanks
Let me know what happens!
will do
I have a mk2 020 vw and it won't go into any gear when engine is on any ideas? It can start and go in first but won't come back out
Did you check to see if the relay lever moves ok?
Well I tried it and it didn't work for me. As soon as I took off the clips, the shaft pulled right out, by hand. At that point, I knew it wasn't going to help. I went ahead and sanded the corrosion from the shaft and greased it up anyway.
@@amcrae1 My mechanic called today and it's a bushing at the bottom of the shifter, that basically is worn to the point of not being there. VW only sells the complete shifter, so he found a place that sells the bushing out of a better material than the original. It won't be here until Thursday. A huge savings over the VW dealer option.
@@k8dfi Thanks for posting. I'm sure others will learn from this post. And I'm glad for you that it's a pretty simple fix!
Thank u very much for this video 😁
Great video. Thanks so much for posting.
Thanks so much for the comment!
Thank you my freind i found your video very useful
Thanks for making this vid man 👍
Thanks Alan
good show
Great job, thanks for sharing.
Thanks!
I have both black plastic linkages replaced and gear shift isses has been fixed.
Great video thank you so much for this! 😀
Need help? I have a 03 Jetta vr6 6 speed. So the problem is my x was driving and she said when she would put it in gear R and 1st she would rev and then it would jerk and sound like it would jerk into gear and go. So the next day I drove it jumped on he highway and as I’m shifting to 3rd gear I heard a loud pop and everything went to crap now it will go into all gears fine but as I let off the clutch peddle it it won’t move go or Anything something grind under my clutch as I let off the peddle any help guys?
That doesn't sound good! Did you look to see if the linkage is still OK? Does the shifting lever on the tranny move when you are shifting..