Second gear is very "crunchy" when cold - why?

[dmjw01]

Hi folks...

Something has become increasingly annoying on my car (Mk4 Ibiza FR TDI) over the last couple of months.

In the first few miles of driving when everything's cold, engaging second gear is stiff, clattery and feels "crunchy". First gear is a bit stiff as well. Once everything is warmed up it's fine and feels nice and slick.

My old Peugeot 106 went like this as well, but I put it down to worn synchromesh on second gear (fair enough, as the car had 96,000 on the clock - plenty of which was town driving). But this gearbox has only 12,000 miles on it. Surely it's not a worn synchromesh yet?

Several things spring to mind:

• Worn synchromesh? (Surely not at this low mileage)
• Low transmission oil? How much lubrication does the synchromesh ring need?
• Something wrong with the selector mechanism?
• Or is this entirely normal? (Hope not - it's pretty awful!)

I must admit I know nothing about how the selector mechanism works. Could there be something that just needs adjustment?

 

[ibizacupra]

synchro's are not a VAG strength

 

[muddyboots]

Mine is like this too, I remember last year I searched the net and found it's a pretty common problem on VAG gearboxes.

 

[Kam]

Our old Pug used to have that problem when it was cold, getting back to normal when car had warmed up. Changing the gearbox oil cured it. May help in this case??

 

[sssstew]

Mine is like this too, I remember last year I searched the net and found it's a pretty common problem on VAG gearboxes.

ahh thats why then, cheers lee. my 4th and mainly 5th are noticable, not the end of the world though.

 

[pbirkett]

This happenned to my Mk2 Golf GTI as well...

 

[EdButler]

2nd gear has been a bugger on both of my Mk4's - it seems as thought its another 'feature'

 

[Cupra_power]

Had the same problem on a Alfa Guiletta I owned, Syncro was the problem there. Alfa boxes were fragile, all adds to the character.

You could try a top quality gearbox oil, it did reduce the change problem in the morning before the oil had warmed up.

 

[andythom]

Bad thing is though, it could possibly lead to future problems.....

The synchro went on my box and the gearing ended up buggered.....new gearbox was the resolve

 

[ibizacupra]

if under warranty insist its repaired/replaced.

 

[kiwi_cordy]

mines a bit like that, second is a bit jerky.

 

[andythom]

if under warranty insist its repaired/replaced.

Best option as when its out of warranty the luck will turn and you'll be left needing a new box with no warranty....

 

[dmjw01]

Hmmmm...

Thanks for the replies folks. Looks like I'll probably just have to put up with it. Might try getting the oil changed though.

I might also see if double-declutching helps at all. Shouldn't really be necessary though!

 

[MAdMAtt84]

Although that said on my last mk4 ibiza i had issues with selection they checked it out and it turned out to be, is it the H plate / gate? was out of allignment was fine after. Cant remember under what conditions it occured.

I must say though the selection of 2nd on this current mk4 again a TDi is abit vague at times, specially when cold still seat can check it when it goes in next time.

Get them to have a nose around....

MAtt

 

[maxcars1]

I'd go back to the stealers and insist on a road test with the Master Tech If I remember rightly, and I've had two new gearboxes in my MK4, second gear is fixed during manufacture. Therefore, it would be best to push for something under warranty now than the agro later.

 

[helms]

speaking as a guy that used to blow boxes left right and centre from driving my rover (3 boxes in 2 years, and 3rd one was on its way out)
They are expensive to replace. get it done under warranty. dont sit and wait for it to break/go wrong. get it fixed now.

 

[Triple D]

I occasionally have problems selecting 5th in my car as it feels a bit stiff to get into, but this only happens sometimes.

 

[cupra-c_ya]

A common problem, mine is a little stiff getting it in second in the morning but once warmed up it is o.k, I have had problems with selecting reverse also with crunching but the dealer replaced the clutch master cylinder and all is fine now.
If you are having a problem which is more then notchiness I would contact the stealers and get them to sort it out, tell em you want it sorted and keep on at em, they will soon sort it for you.

 

[andythom]

Guys,

you's have paid for cars which should be running sweetly with no problems with gearboxes etc....for a good while....

If its under warranty etc....kick up fook with the dealers until you are satisfied....no notchyness.....ITS YOUR RIGHT.

 

[BigDave67]

I occasionally have problems selecting 5th in my car as it feels a bit stiff to get into, but this only happens sometimes.

Mine is the opposite, it gets stuck in 5th! Took it to the dealer and they said they took it for a drive but it didn't do it so they couldn't investigate. Not sure what they would have done if it did get stuck, stop and take the gear box apart on the road side, call a tow truck? They're not likely to be able to drive it back to the workshop in 5th, even if it is a diesel.
Now it's sometimes clunky going into 3rd. I'm going to have the gear box oil changed and see what that does for it.