Transmission not shifting properly

Tiny
SETH7383873
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 108,000 MILES
My car will not shift into first gear and whenever I go into reverse there’s a loud clunk. I would like to change it to a short throw shifter but can’t even find any for this model. Would it even be worth fixing it or should I try to contact a VW dealership to see if they can make a short throw shifter for that car? It’s also very hard to even shift at all. Thanks for the help!
Friday, March 27th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Just to clarify, it is hard to shift in all gears but especially first and reverse? This sounds like the clutch is failing. More then likely you have a small leak in the slave cylinder or it is just simply worn out.

Here is a guide that goes into more detail:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clutch-symptoms

It could also be an internal syncro issue but this is more limited to a specific gear and all others are fine. So I doubt this is it.

As for the short throw shifter, I am sure there is one available. I doubt the dealer offers them. You will need to search the internet for you availability because this is considered more of a performance part and dealers don't really get into that too much. It is worth checking on with them but again, they typically stick to the replacement parts. If you are going to make the switch and the clutch needs to be replaced then this would be a good time to make this change.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
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Friday, March 27th, 2020 AT 8:48 AM

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