Volkswagen Group Shift Linkage Adjustment for year models 2000-2010

[fishoutofwater777]

anybody have a video to do this for a 1997 GTI vr6? or is this the same procedure?

[SouthLdnStar]

I love youtubers like you thanks a lot.

[DavidSolimini]

Awesome video- thanks for the help!

[OVfiddlefan]

Great video. It took me a couple of trys to get it right. Transmission shifts much beeternow.

One of the fingers was seized onto the ribbed rod and wasn't sliding free to allow an adjustment.Once I got it freed up, the adjustment was easy. Many Thanks

[dieselgeekdotcom]

I call them cable ends. Our Sigma 5 and Sigma 6 shifters get rid of these and use machined aluminum cable ends instead.

[revolutionstudios2]

what is the name of the part with the spring that connects to the shift cable?

[robbiepeters512]

This vid is a favorite on Uganda

[dieselgeekdotcom]

Most likely you stripped out your side to side cable end.

[numence]

frends i have VW bora 1.9 tdi pd engine 131ps ASZ 6speed manual transmission 4motion, i have just lost 1st and 2nd gear, is this going to hlep me or i have to remove the engine and look in the sincro or the shift fork :( thanks

[thetwopointslow]

This video is amazing!!! I love how everything is explained so easily. And I've always wondered what it looks like when I'm rowing through the gears :) thanks handsomely for the upload

[dieselgeekdotcom]

We are now using a custom made pin tool that is very precisely 5mm. The nails work though...

[some114]

Much appreciated! Just did this on my mk4 jetta (2003) and it feels so much better. For those of you who can't find a 5mm nail, the box Dieselgeekdotcom is using is 20d 4" 10.16cm nails. All I can say is "damn, USA for being on standard measurements when driving a Euro car". Once again, thanks so much for the tutorial!

[burtongreen]

Many thanks from England. Excellent, clear and concise video.

My Skoda Fabia 1.4 has the same arrangement and it was very difficult to select 1st gear. I simply moved the adjuster to effectively lengthen the cable by 2 notches and now the gear engages easily.

[blindboys]

Being a mechanically stupid I love this video... however what brought me here was the installation of the Sigma Short Shift Kit. Why wouldn't you simply create a video for the installation of that upgrade and show it's shift linkage adjustment? I think a well explained video of that would give me the confidence to move forward with that project.

[lowmonte1978]

am looking for a shift lever for an audi tt 180hp any one know where i can find one ?

[okturk1]

i did this and now the lever is stuck in the home position and i cant engage reverse 1st 3rd and 5th gear i only got 2nd and 4th

[g3dd35]

handy bit of video thanks

[TheBiggerdavo]

I have an 02 jetta and I'm grinding gears in higher rpms but only on second to third. Does anybody know if this might possibly fix that problem? Doesn't look too hard I guess its worth a try at least..

[korayzee]

this video rocks... thanks for saving me. Bought a used jetta with no push down to reverse (which made it hard to find first) and no to rare 5th gear. Did the vid and got everything I purchased... thanks!

[steveeod]

I Have a leon cupra r, and i lost 5th and 6th and it struggles to go into reverse, im going to try this at the weekend and see if it fixes the problem, i will let you all know how i get on.

[adrianTNT]

@dieselgeekdotcom do you know similar instructions for a previous gearbox linkage model? Gearbox is "ERT" and on 2001 Golf IV. It is with rods and bone-hips shaped linkages. Maybe you know if that stick can be locked in a home position too?

Thanks.

[adrianTNT]

Nice car

[jkullander]

I just adjusted my shift linkage, but I cant find 5th gear..any advise to what the problem can be?

[nickdude07]

You can see what I mean at 2:24 into the video. When you release this second lower spring, push the threaded screw away from you so that about two or three more threads of the screw are exposed when the spring is fully released. This adjustment gave just the right amount of pull so that I smoothly can shift to each and every gear. This should help anyone that can't get 3rd or mainly 5th gear, but be sure that you follow the whole procedure and do this step at about the 2:24 mark.

[nickdude07]

For anyone missing 5th gear after this adjustment, I have some advice. After replacing my turbo's vacuum hose I was missing 3rd and 5th. I did this adjustment the first time and was missing 1st and 5th because I pushed the level all the way down instead of halfway. After another attempt I was only missing 5th, but third didn't feel right. I took it to my mechanic friend who showed me the lower spring was grabbing too far onto the screw threads. (continued below)

[Kingcodez]

I broke part 1J0711761A the spring loaded shift cable holders. I have a ball end so I have to go buy the part. I made one out of zip ties, the pictures showed the guy ripping the thing apart so I tried and it snapped lol. Hopefully the epoxy holds.

Anyways, check the vid around the three minute mark to see the gears and the plate movements.

with the plate at rest in a neutral position, back/fwd is 3rd or 4th gear, so if that is off then the plate is either too high or low, so adjust left link.

[ethosandaftermath]

This is a phenomenal video - I'm half way into the process and here's the question: What happens if the chrome bracket lever doesn't bounce up and down (i.e. has to be literally pulled up or pushed down and stays wherever it's left...). Is this a transmission oil problem or something else? Many thanks.

[MITBeta]

Awesome, thanks so much. I had two problems:

1. The plastic fingers on the locks were rusted to the linkage. Some WD-40 and gentle prying took care of that.

2. I didn't pay close attention to the height of the assembly at the transmission and thought it needed to go ALL the way down. This left me with 2 reverse gears and no 5th. I finally got the "about 1/2" " and found the spot where the lock engages.

Now everything works as it used to!

[welly1968]

Jim,

Excellent video. Thank you so much. I have performed this procedure over and over again, I still have a hard time engaging 3rd and 4th gear. I assume this procedure is done with the car on neutral.

I wonder what else I need to do to make my 3rd and 4th smooth again...

A+++ Video

[StarlightMassacre]

i know the end links on the shifter linkage is slightly different in the 99.5 model mk4.

its basically out of a mk3 IIRC.

would this adjustment still work the same way?

[ginolaptr6]

Thank you for this video. It would not go into reverse without a battle. I just adjusted my shift linkage that even my mechanic couldn't figure out how to fix. Not that that is any surprise. It shifts like a dream now. Great video.

[paddymcginley]

He only goes up to 4th gear in the video, shouldn't he have went up to fifth gear?

[pumok]

i have problemes with reverse, all speeds works i mean 1,2,3,4,5 works, but when i try reverse, is too hard, i have to make a little movements with the shifter before to do reverse, my question is... the steps of your video fix the problem?...i hope you understand my question, english is not my native language.. thank you

[SUP33RMARIO]

Jim great vid thanks .All of the sudden my stick shift will not engage into reverse. It will not let me push it into reverse. It has worked fine prior to this. No other symptoms. I want to know if adjusting this will fix my problem? or is something else going on?

[dieselgeekdotcom]

If your plastic L-shaped locking pin on the transmission does not lock the selector shaft then it has been sheared off in the selector shaft. You will need to adjust your shifter by trial and error until you get it right or buy and replace the L-shaped lever VW part number 02J 301 358C which can be bought at your local VW dealer. Replacing the lever is beyond the scope of this video tutorial.

[craigstar1982]

Hi, thansk for the very usfuk video however i have a issue when trying to follow the procedure , when i try to lock down the linkage my locking lever spins (with force) 360 degrees and is stick out further than it should be it can be pushed in but will not lock at all. Any help would be greatly appricated.

[craigstar1982]

Hi, thansk for the very usfuk video however i have a issue when trying to follow the procedure , when i try to lock down the linkage my locking lever spins (with force) 360 degrees and is stick out further than it should be it can be pushed in but will not lock at all. Any heklp would be greatly appricated.

[screwge84]

I lost fifth gear and couldn't reverse after doing this procedure. I drove around like that for a while because I was fed up with my car (long list of things, thanks VW). I tried this again today and found the source of the problem was the black lever - I had to play around with the shifter linkage in the engine bay until the black lever 'clicked' and would stop the shifter linkage moving out of place. Five gears plus reverse like it should have now. Perfect! Thank you for the guide.

[djlosmi]

Very nice video!

Does this apply for diesels only or it can be done for petrol engines as well (I have Ibiza 1.4 MPI '00). Thanks in advance! :)

[aijb]

Hi, I just wanted to thank you for posting that video on adjusting the shift linkage. it was a real help for me. today i spent some time with my dad thakin the battery and air filter out to access the cables and counterweight. We actually found that the counter weight wasnt tightly bolted to the turning mechanism and that was causing us problems. but we did as your video instructed and my car shifts better than when i first bought it :D

[V21W]

Make more videos!!!

[1964GuitarCovers]

How Do you do it in a 1996 vw golf cl ?

[seansverige]

Just wanted to say thanks for posting this, between this and a thread on newbeetle org, was able to tackle the job myself.

[policeman1313]

2:46 kinda helped me understand how it all works. Still don't understand what that big metal piece does.

[gonzo4disney2]

Geat info. Question. My 2nd. shift sometimes grinds The shifter is all the way back like it barely catches and is out of adjustment. I did the adjustment, but still sometimes grinds. Can i do the adjustment without the drill bit to tweak it to catch gear before my shift max out. 

[guyhockeyguy]

One of the best DIY's ever seen! Thanks DieselGeek! :)

[masterboy5555]

Thank you!!!! Saved me money and lots of time. I would have never been able to do this on my own without your video.

[DDS2778]

Dude. Thank you so much for this. I was freaking out after putting a K04 in my AWP and my car would not go into gear after I drove it a few hundred yards. It baffled me for an hour until I saw this. It turned out that my secondary air filter (aftermarket) was stuck right in between the shift linkage. I pulled it out, tied it up and its all better! Thank God for the internet!

[phox0999]

you where right, the shift linkage looks like the 6 speed but the locking lever is just like the 5 speed in the video. you guys rock

[phox0999]

Thanks for the fast response! I'm going to do this tonight after a short shift kit + ss bushing install

[dieselgeekdotcom]

If you look closely, the MK5 five speed transmission is the same as the MK4 5 speed so the procedure is the exact same as shown in the video.

[uberVduber]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to clearly detail the steps involved.

[sleon28]

Hello how are you? I have a question for you. I have a 03 Jetta 1.8t with the same trans. I was driving the other day and went to shift into second and could not do it. When I move the shifter, I cannot feel any gears, and the shifter feels sloppy. I recorded a video to show what was goin on under the hood. Could you take a look at it and tell me your thoughts on what you think it could be? I appreciate your time.

Thanks In Advance!

[masterboy5555]

@sleon28 I had the same prob except I lost 2nd, 4th and reverse. (Day before I had beat on it a little) not great with this design I don't think. Did exactly what he said step by step, and got 2nd and 4th back. Went a few other places looking for answers on reverse and found a forum the guy said to start the car in second and slam it in to reverse hard. Worked like a charm and I'm on my way for free! I really think this adjustment will help your problem and if you loose reverse, got that covered

[adrianTNT]

Nice instructions...

[s3gf0lt]

We're going to go outside the car......lol

[TheBosanac007]

nice video thnxx man i got problems with my jetta gli2002 sometimes(and car sits for day or so than works fine for some times) just wont go in reverse all other gears are fine any video abouth that or any ideas its hard to find parking all the time to go forward thnxxx

[Anacinc]

Could a slight deviation be causing a problem with the smoothness in shifting? My 6 speed gearbox seems to have this problem which makes it shift slower.

[dieselgeekdotcom]

The mechanism is accessible from the topside of the engine bay.

[etechSD]

This is one of the most useful and lifesaving videos I've ever seem on YouTube. Thank you very much!

[dieselgeekdotcom]

This procedure is to adjust the shift mechanism for all gears including fifth gear. If you cannot get fifth gear after performing this procedure you need to do the procedure over again. This procedure is the official VW adjustment procedure in video form.

[stevoman1]

so how do you get the adjustment correct for 5th gear? I noticed after doing this adjustment I lost 5 gear. Not a good idea to mess around with this adjustment.

[phatchoonz1]

Superb video, very helpful! Just gone through this procedure on my 6speed box, i've been meaning to do it since I fitted a short shifter ages ago.

Positioning of the gear lever is so much better now.

Thanks!!

[SeriousMojo76]

i gotta say being a 1st time owner of a vw jetta, i was getting a bit disappointed with the shifting issue.....i followed your instructions and i'm loving this car...u're the man! Thanks a lot. do u have any other videos?

[scotbond]

Just performed shifter adjustment on my Golf V6 4mo. (after replacing two cable bushing of the lever end)

My mechanic was amazed by this video!

Now he will consider buying a PC :) LOL

Thanks a lot!!

Btw- Any tips to make the shifter smoother?

( reduce clicking noise and feeling )

[JRoque250]

Dude, this is one of the very best how-to videos I have ever seen. I don't even own this transmission and had to watch it all the way through. Hopefully you will look back in time and do some mk1 thru mk4 videos too.

[yocheckthisride]

This helped a lot after I installed my aluminum shifter bushings.

My 337 has the o2m six-speed though, (it is a 2002). I needed a 4mm pin instead of a 5mm pin.

[Diastavrones]

my 02m won't had trouble going into 1st after having my clutch/flywheel replaced. If i wiggled it right it would work. Now first gear won't go in at all and i'm afraid to force it. All other gears are fine. Could this adjustment help it. I'm afraid it might be another shift fork. I had the 1-2 shift for replaced over the past summer. I tell you, I got a 20th gti for six grand and it has been a money pit ever since. I hate the tranny.

[egibbys]

what about the 1999.5? Need a video for that.

[gregj123]

well, if you're gonna be a smart ass, the 1999.5 is the same as a 2000

[egibbys]

You probably should know what you are talking about before you give some input. The 1999.5 is very much different from the 2000 and up model. Looks the same but very different.

[gregj123]

well considering the 1999.5 used the 02J transmission, which is the same model used in 2000, 2001, etc (for 5spds). i dont see how it could be any different.

[egibbys]

The transmission is the same. The shift linkage is different. Both my dad and I drive 99.5s and a friend drives a 2000. The 2000 has the linkage that is in the video. All 1999.5s have a terrible design with their linkage. That is why it was changed the following year. To replace the old linkage costs $150 and a lot of time. That is why I haven't done the swap.

[gimmebullion]

Excellent Video!

Awesome DIY video.

best there is

[smoothmovetoronto]

awesome diy - now only if everyone used only the parts without the car to make how-to's.

[tigreg29]

nice do you have a video for 1998 vr6 tranni need one very bad

[vr6hondaeatervr6]

One of those 3 finger thing on mine doesn't lock :( do I need another one?

[supraluva]

nice video man...thanks a lot!

[V21W]

Make more DIY videos like these!!!

[MrPhenomenal]

awesome. thanks a bunch man.

got a 2003 24v with really notchy/sloppy feeling shifts hoping this will help her out!

[Hunkster75]

It looks like the cable on the right side of the bracket is doing all the work. Does the other one do anything at all? Also, could you post one of these for the 99.5 transmissions?

[MDB0706]

been drivin in reverse as 1st for 4 months ...this is so easy wow i was missin out

[MDB0706]

nothing better than a simple fix. this video is sick, what a money saver. thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

[xilovelsdx]

this is so simple and i was afraid to do it before! ha

[egibbys]

But what about the 99.5s? That's what I need. :(

[fartman10284]

they also make the best short shift kits for 02J & 02M trannies

[mehdi350z]

can be useful one day thx!

[bbarbulo]

brilliant, thank you!

[AlFiGg6]

gw & thx.

Please, they make other helpful videos like this.