Can't shift with engine running.

[oneshort]

2000 NB with manual transmission, 170,000 miles. Suddenly I can't shift gears while the engine is running. I tried a Spindown test (clutch in, wait, shift into reverse) and the gears clash like I didn't have the clutch pedal all the way down. If I start in first gear, the car tries to roll forward slightly with the clutch to the floor. The brake fluid resevoir is filled completely- no obvious signs of brakefluid leaks. The transmission has never slipped.

Are there any adjustments that can be made at the pedal or master cylinder? Any guesses at what might be the cause? I'd expect a worn clutch to slip, or am I wrong?

 

[flipside]

worn clutch should still allow you to shift. Not an expert though. Sounds like the master cylinder for the clutch is toast. Even with the clutch pedal fully depressed the clutch does not disengage not allowing you to shift gears. Again not an expert, and I am assuming that the clutch is hydraulic vs. cable.

 

[scurvy]

If I start in first gear, the car tries to roll forward slightly with the clutch to the floor.

This is the classic test to see if the clutch is disengaging properly, which it isn't. Unless you can pinpoint a master/slave cylinder leak, your pressure plate fingers or throwout bearing have failed. You may have also noticed the clutch pedal pulsing when you push it in. The same thing happened on my old car at 141k. 170k on one clutch is pretty damn good. You've paid for a few of them with your lifetime fuel savings and the kilobuck you saved when new.

Clutch face friction material wear will cause a clutch to slip. Pressure plate finger or throwout bearing failure will cause exactly what you described.

Where are you south of Chicago? I work south of the city myself and can recommend an independent shop in 60417.

scurvy

 

[oneshort]

Thanks guys. I kinda expected that I was going to have to get in there and do some maintenance. I bumped into a how-to and it scared me out of trying it myself. I could really use the mechanic recommendataion Scurvy, I've tried a couple times without much luck. I'm in New Lenox, maybe half an hour from 60417.

 

[oneshort]

Any other thoughts?

I tried the mechanic in Crete. After looking and not having any idea about what might be causing it and having much VW experience, he refused the job. Anyone know of other decent mechanics within a couple hundred miles of the chicago area? I'm looking at Illinois Dyno Center maybe?

 

[cage]

Don't waste your time and money. Simply start car, drive off, turn key off, shift, turn key on zoom to next gear, turn key off, shift, turn key on, zoom to next gear etc... etc...etc...
It's not that hard but needs practice. I mean think of all the things you've learned how to manipulate...

 

[oneshort]

. Not sure how long the wife would put up with that. Maybe I could get an insurance discount for having an additional Anti-theft device though.

 

[scurvy]

Edit: aw crap, that was the wrong place. This is the right one: http://www.tranzworks.com/

The german auto place on Western is [SIZE=-1]Auto Nology, 10158 S Western Ave, Chicago IL 60643 Phone: (773) 238-5400[/SIZE]

There's also JasonTDI in Madison - I believe he mentioned putting in clutches from time to time.

I'm kinda shocked the guys in Crete opted to not work on your VW. They didn't flinch at all when I called asking for a quote on a new clutch to be put in my Volvo 850 which are far less numerous than VWs with manual transmissions.

scurvy

 

[oneshort]

What it was... The pressure plate had cracked, and apparently moved out enough to never completely seperate from the release bearing.
I ran out to Illinois Dyno Center. I finally found a TDI mechanic that I can highly recommend! They started working on it in the morning and called me in the afternoon- ready to pick up with new clutch, rebuilt starter and Upsolute chip. They post prices on their site as well so there are no surprises.
Thanks for the recommendations folks.