What to do if your Volkswagen Golf won’t shift?
The engine is running fine, but the shifter just won’t move. There are several things you can try to get your Volkswagen Golf moving now. These include checking to see if the parking brake is stuck, finding the shift lock solenoid override (if applicable), and the shift linkage.
What causes a VW transmission to slip in all gears?
Low transmission fluid level - Low transmission fluid level can cause many issues, including erratic shifting, no shifting at all, delayed shifting, strange grinding noises, limp mode, and in some cases, check engine light comes on. Faulty Torque Converter - Can cause VW transmission to slip in all gears, shuddering, and overheating.
Can a shift linkage go bad on a golf?
But, they can go bad. If you are positive that the gear shifter is not stuck in park (see directly above), then it’s likely that the shift linkage may be bad. Either something caused it to bend, or it’s starting to come loose. If it’s come loose, the geometry won’t be right anymore and it may keep your Golf stuck in park.
Are there any problems with the automatic transmission on a VW?
This guide overviews all Volkswagen automatic transmission problems, including vehicles with DSG gearbox and 01M transmission. Automatic transmission goes into limp mode or gets stuck in high gear. VW vehicles from mid-2000, including Passat and Vento, can experience shift issues.
Why does my car shift hard when I stop?
Worn fluid can lead to hard shifts When your vehicle's computer tells the transmission to shift gears, hydraulic pressure (provided by the fluid) squeezes a series of plates together inside a clutch pack to connect the engine to the transmission output shaft and route power to the wheels.
Does Volkswagen have transmission problems?
The Volkswagen transmission has been documented by consumers to have a few issues that prevent the car from being a joy to ride. The Volkswagen models that have been affected by these transmission problems and have been recalled by the manufacturer are the Jetta, Jetta Sportswagen, GTI and Eos.
Why is my car randomly shifting gears?
A bad sensor or solenoid could cause a shifting problem and that is a relatively easy fix by a qualified technician. Worn parts in the transmission could cause the transmission to shift erratically, but usually, worn parts lead to over revving or loose shifting.
Do you have to shift down when braking?
The car should be slowing down and you should slowly get on the brakes to shift down to neutral and stop the car. When slowing down from a highway speed, a little more work is needed.
What are the signs your transmission is going out?
Nine Signs Your Transmission Is Going OutWon't Shift Gears. Another sign of a dying transmission is a refusal to shift gears. ... The Gears Slip. The scenario we described in the introduction is the gears slipping. ... Noise When Shifting. ... Neutral Noises. ... Shaking or Vibrating. ... Burning Smells. ... Fluid Leaks. ... Pink Fluid.More items...•
How do I reset my VW Golf transmission?
Reset ProcedurePut the key in the ignition and turn on – Do not start the car.Hold down the accelerator pedal fully for at least 10 seconds (many suggest 20 seconds). You will feel a little click under your foot at you push down the pedal fully.Release the pedal – turn the key in the ignition.
What is erratic gear shifting?
Here are some common reasons why transmissions shift harshly or erratically. Fluid and lack of maintenance: If the fluids are too low, then the transmission can't maintain the proper pressures need to change gears. If you need to add fluid, especially if you need to do so often, then you should also check for leaks.
What causes transmission shifting problems?
Transmission Fluid Low or Poor Condition – Vehicles low on transmission fluid or that are operating with worn out or contaminated fluid are likely to experience hard shift conditions. Lack of adequate lubrication within the transmission can cause several problems, including hard shifting.
What can cause shifting problems?
Shifting problems can also be caused by:Faulty interlock switch. ... Shift Cable or Linkage may be corroded or coated with thick grease. ... Low transmission fluid combined with sluggish feeling and hard shifts. ... Your vehicle's internal computer may be malfunctioning.
What gear should you be in when stopping?
Then, you shift into neutral. "After that, you can switch to first just before the car comes to a stop – if you plan to stop and go, like at a stop sign," Gobeil said. "Or leave it in N and release the clutch – always keep your foot on the brake until it's time to go."
Do you have to change gear when slowing down?
You'll normally have to change down gears if you have slowed down and the gear you're in doesn't give you enough power to drive at that lower speed. If you don't change down into the correct gear as you slow down, the car will start to stutter and jolt as you lift your foot off the clutch pedal.
Should I change gear when slowing down?
The basic gear changing rule is 'brakes to slow – gears to go'. As the car increases speed, change up through the gears. When you want to slow down, use the foot brake. You need only change to a lower gear when you need the accelerator again to 'drive' the car.
What is a shift lock solenoid?
The shift lock solenoid is the mechanism that keeps you from shifting out of park without your foot on the brake. The good news is that most shift locks have an override button. You will need to find it for your particular model year of Golf (if applicable).
What happens if you don't use a parking brake on a hill?
This happens a lot when you don’t use a parking brake on a hill. It can happen to any vehicle, at any age or mileage. Getting it unstuck can be easy, but also a little dangerous since you’ll need to rock the vehicle.
Problem Description
Reverse gear failures and noise in the manual transmission models are common.
Christian Brothers Automotive - Wake Forest
Reverse sounded like a playing card against the spokes of a bike wheel. 3 months later it started popping out of gear if not held in place. Finally, even when holding it in gear, it now slips and grinds, and if I am not backing down a hill... then I go nowhere. Not sure what has failed, why, or what the repair is, or what it will cost.