Trouble shifting into gear

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mik_rayall
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Drives: 1997 1.6
Location: Bourne, Lincolnshire

Trouble shifting into gear

Post by mik_rayall »

Hi there, newbie to the site so any help is appreciated. I love the polo so what to keep it going.

It's got a 1997 6n 1.6 with 140,000 on the clock. The problem is its hard to get in to gear, it'll go but it's a 'ram it' to do so. Once in, fine! I can drive forever it won't slip out.

Clutch biting point is midway and the pedal doesn't sink to the floor or anything like that. No noises, smells or leaks that I'm aware of.

Any suggestions, I've only just got the car and the previous buyer didn't mention any of this conveniently. I've no service history to indicate gearbox oil change or anything.

Thank you on advance!
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alexperkins
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Re: Trouble shifting into gear

Post by alexperkins »

Likely the linkage is worn. If its a 97, it might be rod shift rather than cable.

Whats the reg?
mik_rayall
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Re: Trouble shifting into gear

Post by mik_rayall »

Thanks for replying, the reg is R36 BDU.
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alexperkins
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Re: Trouble shifting into gear

Post by alexperkins »

Ok, so its cable shift.
etka.png
Heres a picture from the parts system. The ends highlighted in green wear down. The only answer is to replace the shift cables, though sometimes, you can stick a couple of cable ties on to take up the flex and stop them moving making it a more positive gear change
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alexperkins
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Re: Trouble shifting into gear

Post by alexperkins »

Image
mik_rayall
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Re: Trouble shifting into gear

Post by mik_rayall »

Understood, thank you. I'm no mechanic by any stretch of the imagination however I can follow that image and combined with the Haynes manual I can give it a go.

Juat one more question, as I say I really don't know but there is reference in the manual to an adjuster locknut near the release lever to adjust travel. Should this be on the things to check list or is this for something completely different.

Many thanks again! I'm really grateful.
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alexperkins
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Re: Trouble shifting into gear

Post by alexperkins »

You don’t want to adjust the travel on the selector mechanism. That’s a quick way to throw it and lose your gears completely.

Give it a go with the cable ties, if that doesn’t work seek out a good independent mechanic
mik_rayall
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Drives: 1997 1.6
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Re: Trouble shifting into gear

Post by mik_rayall »

Good job I asked!... I'll try it out, many thanks.
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