UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

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!

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

Whats the reg?

Thanks for replying, the reg is R36 BDU.

Ok, so its cable shift.
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

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.

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

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