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.

You could try re-aligning the linkage. Otherwise, maybe a slightly worn engine (probably dogbone) mount might cause the issue.

My TDI sometimes fails to get into 5th, feels like something rubbery is blocking it. It only happens a few times a year (generally at speed - say after an overtake), so I have not worried too much about it.

At 100k, it might be worth changing the gearbox oil, even though it is not listed as a service item. Well worth using proper VAG g/box oil though, as other members have reported more issues by using non VAG stuff.

iirc, alignment stuff has been covered on here before, and I know there are some videos on youtube too. This thread has links to a video and should get you going. http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/178658-gearbox-troubles/

You could try re-aligning the linkage. Otherwise, maybe a slightly worn engine (probably dogbone) mount might cause the issue.

My TDI sometimes fails to get into 5th, feels like something rubbery is blocking it. It only happens a few times a year (generally at speed - say after an overtake), so I have not worried too much about it.

At 100k, it might be worth changing the gearbox oil, even though it is not listed as a service item. Well worth using proper VAG g/box oil though, as other members have reported more issues by using non VAG stuff.

iirc, alignment stuff has been covered on here before, and I know there are some videos on youtube too. This thread has links to a video and should get you going. http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/178658-gearbox-troubles/

Hi Mbames, Thanks for the advice and links to other options, I have sprayed all linkages with wd40 that are visible, as advised from another Briskodian and will leave overnight to soak into the joints and linkages, after operating the gearshift after applying the wd40 the motion of the gearshift feels smoother.

This option of using wd 40 is the cheapest, and least complicated, I can then work towards more complicated and in depth and potentially more expensive options ie:- main stealers.

Thanks again and here's wishing you and yours a happy xmas and new year.

Hi folks, here is an update on the 'sticky' gear shift operation problem, I had coated all the visible gear change linkages on the top of the gear box with Aforementioned WD40 and this has cured the problem of 2 gears being selected at the same time. I assume, prior to the application of the WD40 the cable mechanism was not returning to a 'neutral' position and thus was still partly engaged in the previous gear, and not allowing (quite rightly so) another gear to be engaged.

The application of WD40 or similar lubricant to the cables and mechanism has certainly improved the gear change, it is a lot smoother in all gear changes.

This method of 'cure' has worked for me, and was thankfully the cheapest option, It may not be the same for other gear box problems, and only as advice would I suggest using WD40 or similar lubricants, as i did, but hey it's my own VRS and it worked for me,

Hope this helps for other peeps in the future, regards Rich