2nd gear won't engage?

navshartz · 22 May 2007, 16:11

Just bought a Bug and it won't engage into second gear. First and third are OK but second grinds and never engages. I'm new to this transmission so need advice on where and what to look for.

Eddie · 22 May 2007, 22:19

Could be several things. It sounds like it's not going all the way in gear. I would first try to loosen the two bolts holding your shifter and move the plate forward just a little. That should help.

Bookwus · 22 May 2007, 22:49

Hiya nav,

OK........small semantics problem here............

Technically, VW does not recognize "gears" in an AutoStick. Rather, there are "ranges". Specifically, an AutoStick has a Low range, a First range, a Second range, as well as a Reverse range. Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking..........big deal! But it does help to pin down just where you are having problems with an AutoStick.

For example, you mention that your AS shifts into "first" and "third", but not second. If you actually mean that the shifting problem occurs when you attempt to put the transmission into First range, then there may be an easy answer to your problem. As you move the shift lever forward to find First range you are actually moving the shift ROD (in the tunnel) to the rear. That puts a lot of stress on the shift coupler (under the oval plate at the rear of the tunnel). I'd check to see that the shift coupler is functioning as intended. That is to say...........it should transfer every movement of the shift rod exactly to the hockey stick (the shaft coming forward from the tranny). If it does not, or you see slippage, it's time to change that beast out.

Other problem areas in this sort of situation could well be the shift plate as was already mentioned or the shift rod bushing to be found in the tunnel.

Good luck and do report back on what you find.

Eddie · 23 May 2007, 04:26

Did I miss something? Where did the auto-stick come in? I assumed it was a standard.

Bookwus · 23 May 2007, 15:59

Hiya Eddie,

Insofar as the advice which was posted - it was good for either a manual or an AutoStick - so, no harm done at that point.

As to your assumption that the transmission in question was a manual - interesting! - I make just the opposite assumption. Inasmuch as this forum is focused on the AutoStick transmission, I assume that anybody who has found their way here and has taken the time to post their question IS driving an AutoStick.

So, just out of curiosity, why do you assume a manual?

Eddie · 23 May 2007, 16:33

Sorry Mike. Forgot where I was for a second. Guess I was still stuck on a stick.
Eddie.

navshartz · 23 May 2007, 16:45

Sorry for not being specific. This is an Autostick transmission and the problem occurs when I try to select range 1. Last night I tried to adjust the shift lever by loosening the bolts and moving the plate. I also removed the cover over the tranny (under the rear seat) to see what was happening. From what I see, it doesn't look like the shaft is traveling far enough to make the engagement into this range. There is a small amount of movement in the bushing near the tranny, do I replace the bushings next? If so, where do I get them and where do I find directions? Now I've successfully got every gear messed up.

Bookwus · 24 May 2007, 00:55

Hiya nav,

So.......then........your shift rod coupler IS working? This is the most likely spot for a breakdown in the transfer of force from the shift lever to the transmission. That's why I suggested that it be checked out.

"small amount of movement in the bushing" Please explain. The only thing that should move in that area is the hockey stick (the shaft leading into the transmission. What bushing are you referring to?

navshartz · 24 May 2007, 13:07

Last night I tore into it and found that the bushing nearest the shift lever was non existant. Pieces of it were at the bottom of the tunnel. It appears that the shifter could be pushing the shift rod to the side instead of rotating it. I'll know more when I put the new parts it this weekend.

Bookwus · 24 May 2007, 19:36

Hiya nav,

Nice going!

That shift rod bushing in the tunnel can be a major source of pain and irritation. A hint: when you replace the sucker make sure you grease it and the shift rod liberally. And to beat the same old drum again..........after you get the shift rod bushing replaced and you find all the ranges with the shift lever, pop that oval inspection plate again and check out the shift coupler while a helper is shifing the lever. That shift coupler has a definite life span and since the shift bushing went out the shift coupler has probably been subjected to more lateral stress. Fact of the matter is, I might be inclined to change out the shift coupler as simple preventive maintenance.

navshartz · 24 May 2007, 21:02

I also ordered the rear bushing near the tranny since it had to be disconnected anyway. Also, the total for both was only going to set me back $25 after shipping.

navshartz · 27 May 2007, 14:18

Things didn't work out. I've replaced all of the stift linkage bushings and still have the problem. I'm beginning to think that range 1 is gone since it feels thru the shifter and appears at the transmission that it is going in. There is a grinding noise when I try to reposition the lever (with brute force and frustration) but nothing engages. All of the other ranges work any suggestions? If all else fails I have a donor car with a manual transmission as a last resort.

Cobey · 28 May 2007, 07:11

This may be out in left field, but, would it be possible that the adjustment to the contact in the shifter are maladjusted enough than they are not closing when selecting Range 1?

volkenstein · 28 May 2007, 15:45

Cobey,
Definite possibility! The only other things I can think of are to check/adjust your clutch freeplay and then I reckon it's time to drop the trans oil to check for brass or steel filings.

On that note, how is the shift into 2nd range? I gather it goes into Low and Reverse no probs? If it is a stiff shift into "L" I'd check your freeplay.

Volkenstein