Mk3 Tdi can't select 3rd,4th or 5th gear!

**djl78** · 22-09-2010,09:03 PM

As the title suggest i am having issues with my 1998 Mk3 Golf Tdi (130k).
Gearbox was running fine with no unusual noises but i am now unable to select 3rd,4th or 5th gear.Gearbox oil level/colour is normal as is the clutch operation (1st,2nd & reverse engage smoothly).
The selector shaft doesn't appear to be moving up far enough so i have disconnected the shift cables in the hope thet the mechanism might need adjusting.Unfortunately that is not the case.
I have now removed the selector shaft but don't really know what i'm looking for.
Anybody have an idea as to the cause/fix?

Regards
djl

**phil miller** · 22-09-2010,09:09 PM

it could just be the selector alignment, have you tried putting it back together and seeing if its any different? also is it the same when the engine is switched off? it could be a fault inside the box but before thinking the worst see if its and better after putting it back together

**djl78** · 22-09-2010,09:26 PM

Yeah i've tried reassembling but it's still the same and it makes no difference if the engine is running or not.

**phil miller** · 22-09-2010,10:24 PM

Originally Posted by djl78

Yeah i've tried reassembling but it's still the same and it makes no difference if the engine is running or not.

it sounds very much like a gearbox fault, Crasher will be able to give more info i would have thought, if he doesnt post here just send him a pm

**Crasher** · 23-09-2010,01:44 PM

It sounds like one of the selector fork shift segments has come off which will mean pulling the box apart although this does not really explain the loss of 5th gear. The best solution to failure of the shift segments is to fit a new selector fork repair kit which is about £115 from VW but you can buy the segments on their own for about £15 each but the repair kit is an upgrade and far better value,

**djl78** · 23-09-2010,01:51 PM

Thanks for the quick reply Crasher.
Are the shift segments visible with the selector shaft removed?
Either way this is a job that requires specialist tools is it not?
Thanks
Djl

**Crasher** · 23-09-2010,02:55 PM

The shift elements are not visible but the selector leavers are and if you know how they should feel it is possible to gauge if something is wrong. The 02A series box is a relatively simple box to strip down, much easier than say and 020 as used on the 1.9TD Umwelt but still requires a few special tools and knowledge.

**djl78** · 23-09-2010,04:44 PM

I think i may have a go at stripping it down as i plan on getting another gearbox anyway.
I assume i can fit any 02A gearbox (i.e : ASD,CTN or CZP code) the only difference being ratios?
thanks
dan