From new my 2010 1.2 TSI has had an occasional problem with baulking when trying to engage 1st gear. This only occurs when stationary and a quick re-engage/dis-engage of the clutch solves the problem. If 1st gear is engaged whilst still slowly moving then it operates smoothly. My dealer has been unable to reproduce the problem but as my warranty runs out at the end of this year I want to know if this is typical or I have some problem with the box that needs sorting. Thanks all.

No it's not typical. Should go in first time and easy. It could be slight clutch drag (clutch not fully disengaging) due to hydraulics needing bleeding. But you would probably detect that in reverse gear too as you would get a crunch. Does reverse gear go in easily everytime with no noise? Or does it ever crunch? Is the 1st gear problem worse when hot or cold or no different in either state? There are three main possible causes: first gear synchro cone maybe slightly marked or damaged, or...first gear itself has a slightly damaged tooth or both of those things. The other thing it could be is the gear cable needs adjusting slightly as that too can produce the baulking result you are getting. If it's the cable out of adjustment, but only by just a tiny amount, it won't always baulk and can be worse when either hot, or maybe when cold but there is usually a difference between the two states. Going back to possible damage to the first gear itself. This normally happens when selecting reverse gear. Selecting reverse gear brings in an idler gear to make the output shaft turn in the opposite direction. There is no synchro on reverse and if someone is heavy handed and crunches the gear is can sometimes damage 1st gear. But it usually needs to be a very heavy handed crunch to do damage. Best bet is get the gear selector cable checked to make sure it's in adjustment and go from there.

Edit: Welcome to the site!

Edited 16 June, 201313 yr by Estate Man

Thanks for your detailed reply. There is absolutely no problem in any other gear, including reverse. Temperature doesn't seem to have much affect either. It's not a major problem and doesn't happen too often (and only when stationary) but when it does the only way to engage 1st is the engage / disengage the clutch again and then it drops in smoothly. I'll have to take it up with my dealer again.

My 2011 tsi does exactly what you describe. I haven't found any pattern to it so it's not been possible to replicate it with the dealer. All cars I've ever had have occasionally needed a second declutch to get into first so I'm not too concerned unless it gets more frequent or harder to 'work around'.

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This seems to ring a bell with me.

Isn't this a common/known fault and solved by a gear oil change?

Think they used the wrong oil in some cars or something.

Phil