shifting problem

corvette6698512 · Post by **corvette6698512** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:07 pm

What could cause it to be hard to shift in my '81 jetta coupe? It shifted fine until yesterday when I couldnt put it in first. I could get it in first when I push the shifter down and over toward reverse(but not quite reverse) and up into first. What felt like first before is third. Its my daily so I need to fix it asap. Thanks

82vdub · Post by **82vdub** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:37 pm

Possibly something in the linkage shifted causing a misalignment. Maybe some of the fittings aren't as tight as they should have been.

Post by **Fatmobile** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 12:33 am

Sounds like time for a shifter bushing set,
and maybe a couple new rods.
Not a very spendy fix,
and it doesn't take long after you've done it a few times.
Jiggle things in the engine bay and see where the slop is.

corvette6698512 · Post by **corvette6698512** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 1:17 am

Ok thanks guys. I'll let you now if there is any slop.

VWCaddy · Post by **VWCaddy** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:40 am

Some tips on inspecting and troubleshooting linkage issues below:
- http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/ForSale/ ... ngProblems

tawney · Post by **tawney** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 5:56 pm

A sudden change is a little odd; usually it just gets progressively worse as the bushings wear. They can get completely worn then break and fall out, I guess. Another possibility would be that the shift rod clamp that holds the selector lever on the shift rod isn't tight enough, and it skipped a spline. If you can still get 5th without trouble, I would suspect the shift rod clamp.