Having a Hard Time Shifting Gears in Your VW? These Could Be the Reasons

So, shifting gears in your Volkswagen has gotten a bit tricky lately…

Difficulty shifting gear is often a sign of a serious gearbox problem and it should not be taken lightly. We are writing this blog post with the intention of helping you diagnose the shifting problem in your vehicle. So, please read this blog post all the way through…

Volkswagen Shifting Problems Demystified

Case #1- Gear oil is dirt ridden

The oil that you put in your Volkswagen gearbox does more than just lubricating closely fitted metal parts. It plays a crucial role in the overall gear-shifting process. But there is a catch… as oil flows through the gearbox – dirt, dust, debris, metal shavings, and other impurities accumulate in it. And, guess what… gear oil laced with impurities is of no use and can contribute to various gearbox problems, including difficulty shifting.

So, what can be done about it?

#A- Check your Volkswagen’s gear oil level and quality periodically.

#B- Upon inspection if you find too many contaminants in the gearbox oil, replacing it is the safest option you got.

#C- Keeping track of the gearbox filter condition is also a wise decision.

Case #2- Gearbox overheating

If your Volkswagen gearbox has overheated, you will have difficulty shifting gears. There are all sorts of reasons why a vehicle's gearbox may overheat. If there is not enough fluid left in the gearbox, the gearbox will overheat. If there is a hidden technical glitch about which you are completely unaware, the gearbox will overheat. Gearbox overheating can also be the result of towing a heavy load. If goes undiagnosed, overheating can lead to costly repairs down the road.

So, what can be done about it?

#A- Look for signs of gearbox overheating in your Volkswagen.

#B- Emergence of a stinky burning odor, and frequent gear slipping are among the signs that your gearbox is overheating.

#C- Find out and fix the culprit responsible for gearbox overheating in your vehicle.

Case #3- Faulty control module

Just like there is a control module to monitor and regulate different aspects of the engine operation… there is a control unit to manipulate the gearbox's modus operandi. The control unit works on the basis of inputs received from multiple sensors. If there is something off with either of these sensors or with the control module, its effect will be visible in the gearbox operation. You may have difficulty changing gears due to a faulty control module.

So, what can be done about it?

#A- If you are having a hard time shifting gear in your Volkswagen because of a defective transmission control module, there is nothing you can do about it.

#B- The only option you have is to pay a visit to the nearest European auto service center.

Case #4- Torque converter/ clutch problem

Depending on the type of gearbox your vehicle is equipped with, one of the reasons mentioned above could be behind your Volkswagen's gear-shifting issue. If the vehicle you own has an automatic transmission that is behaving oddly and having difficulty shifting, chances are its torque converter has failed. If your car model has a manual transmission and it is exhibiting the above behavior, its clutch is probably faulty.

So, what can be done about it?

#A- Try to evaluate the degree of damage your Volkswagen’s torque converter/ clutch has sustained, and proceed accordingly.

#B- If the damage is beyond repair, consider replacing the concerned part so that you get a smooth gear-shifting experience.

Case #5- Worn gears

The transmission is probably the most complex part of your vehicle; given the sheer number of parts that make it up. If any of its gears wear out due to lack of lubrication, poor driving habits, or any other reason, the gearbox will have difficulty operating and may have difficulty shifting.

So, what can be done about it?

#A- Act promptly to find out the broken gear that’s causing the issue and get it replaced.

To Sum Things up…

Finding it hard to shift between gears??? This could be a sign of a serious gearbox problem. If such an issue goes unnoticed, things can go haywire any minute. So, if you are experiencing such a problem, the first thing you should do is get it checked by a technician.

We at Carotech Automotive and Tires located in Los Angeles, CA have years of experience in looking after Domestic, Asian and European cars. All our technicians are highly experienced, certified and are passionate about cars.