Sticky 1st gear

[TurkS4]

Over the last couple of days I have been having trouble engaging 1st gear. It would be okay in once instance and then when I try to engage it at other times it feels as though the gator is not opening. I have to pump the clutch a couple of times before I can engage.

Is this the sign of a worn gearbox or clutch or is it just me!!!

I also find when the engine is cold the gear change into first and then into second is a noisy affair and quite clunky. Is this usual with this model?

Advice please

Cheers... [img]images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img]

[toasty]

Hi Mate,

Gearboxes do seem to be a little 'iffy' on the S4, even when new they can be notchy.

Plenty of people here are on their second gearbox, so it would seem to be a weakness.

Mine (for what it's worth) is ok, not noisy except whining in reverse (which I'm told is usual) but quite notchy and sometimes stiff to go into first. No problems with the other gears though.

[TurkS4]

Audi mechanic confirmed what you stated Toasty that Audi's are known for notchy gearboxes...apparently you need to give a little time when depressing the clutch before you engage first........would a short shifter such as UCC help in this area?.

Cheers

[DavidT]

I have a Tanoga shortshifter and it does help.

You need to be more positive when changing but it is smoother and much faster.

[Golich]

I have exactly the same probelm with 1st. Toaty is correct as is the mechanic. I've just recently noticed that while stopped at say traffic lights if I give the car some time to engage 1st it's like a two stage action pressing gently on the gear shift. Other times I can help it by selecting 2nd first then 1st.

Mines been like that since 34k with now about 52K miles. Don't worry.

It's interesting to hear that the short shift will sort this out. As it has nothing to do with the gearbox selectors. That could suggest that possibly the alingment of the gear shift is not correct. I remember a similar problem with a golf I once owned. Although the mechanism between the gearstick and the gear box was almost direct via a clamped shaft. If the shaft was only a fraction out, the gear shift became a litte dodgey. I've got the Ewin transmission manual specifically to see how the gear linkage is supposed to be alingned.

I'll get back to you.

[TurkS4]

Hi Golich,

The Audi mechanic mentioned that the clutch was self adjusting and needs a little time when depressed to adjust before you engage first gear...does this makes sense?

Bit like my self adjusting xenons, which take time to adjust themselves to the right pitch. Annoys the hell out of oncoming traffic....but what can you do [img]images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]