Hi folks, I have a 2002 Octavia VRS with 100,000 miles on the clock and recently it has been difficult to engage 5th gear, it seems as though there has been a 'gate' placed across the route to 5th gear and when I try to engage the gear there is a 'graunching' sound as though two gears are attempting engagement at the same time.

If I dis-engage and then attempt to change into 5th again it goes into 5th no problem.

This problem with changing into 5th does not happen every time, only occasionally, say every 3rd or 4th attempt of changing into 5th.

Could anybody tell me if the change mechanism are rods, cables, or other, and if that is the problem where is the adjustment?

Regards Rich and a Merry Xmas and a happy new year to all.

Hi folks, I have a 2002 Octavia VRS with 100,000 miles on the clock and recently it has been difficult to engage 5th gear, it seems as though there has been a 'gate' placed across the route to 5th gear and when I try to engage the gear there is a 'graunching' sound as though two gears are attempting engagement at the same time.

If I dis-engage and then attempt to change into 5th again it goes into 5th no problem.

This problem with changing into 5th does not happen every time, only occasionally, say every 3rd or 4th attempt of changing into 5th.

Could anybody tell me if the change mechanism are rods, cables, or other, and if that is the problem where is the adjustment?

Regards Rich and a Merry Xmas and a happy new year to all.

Sounds like the 5th gear synchro has had it. When you go from 4th to 5th next time follow this:

1. In 4th gear

2. Clutch in

3. Select Neutral

4. Clutch out

5. Clutch in

6. Select 5th gear and clutch out.

This is double clutching and will allow you to change gear regardless of the state of the synchromesh (appologies if you knew this already). If it will change gear with you d-clutching then you'll likely need a gearbox refurb which could possibly be quite costly :(

Can I suggest one of the moderators moves this into the relevant forum?