Won't shift into reverse or 5th. No power in 1st. Broken plastic thing in engine.

1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
140,000 MILES
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
When I pput the car into reverse, it goes forward. When I put it into 1st, it stalls out because I can't get enough power. RPM stays at around 10. So, I quickly shift into 2nd and push the gas pedal all the way down and hold it there for about 15 seconds and the car's RPM will finally go above 10. Then i am able to shift into 3rd as usual and 4th as usual.When I try to shift into 5th gear... it is the same as Reverse. IT isn't there. It seems to be shifting into 3rd instead. I opened up the hood and looked around inside there. I don't know anything about cars. BUT below where the white plastic box with the yellow cap that says brake fluid on it, there are two bars with plastic on them. They each attach to metal bolts on another part. The plastic piece on the end of the metal bar thingies is broken on one of them. It is the piece that has the hole in it so it can be attached to that bolt. Does anyone know what these parts are called? Iattached a picture showing the plastic thing that is broken
Jul 22, 2012 at 10:05 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
that is your shift cable that looks broken and you'll have the trouble you are talking about until it'sfixed.
Jul 22, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
Attached is a parts diagram... you have a broken "follower". The cable
should still be OK.

Part #1J0711256

*** Confirm with your VW Parts Dealer before you buy this part, that
this is actually what is broken ***

Thomas
Jul 22, 2012 at 11:41 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Yes, thank you. I took it to the dealership and yes it is that plastic piece that attacheds to the cable. The cable is still fine. The part will be $45 +tx. (the guy is giving it to me at-cost). I am looking for instructions on HOW to change it out though because I cannot afford to pay the dealership service fee. Which will be $100 or more.
Jul 24, 2012 at 8:47 PM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Does anyone know the part number? Or the name of the part? Because the parts guy at the dealership didnt even know the name of the part, but he found the part number. He didnt give me the part number though.
Jul 24, 2012 at 8:48 PM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
1J0-711-256 "Carrier"
Jul 24, 2012 at 8:51 PM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
I thought I had provided the part number above... it was listed as
a follower in my info.

It only fits one way, so you should have no problems figuring out
how to install.

Sometimes you have to drill the old one out... make sure to lube the
new one, so that it'll be easier to remove the next time.

Thomas
Jul 24, 2012 at 8:58 PM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Sorry I was a bit confused. So.... how do I take off the old one? How do I put the new one on? I cant find any directions online at all. It looks like it is connected to something inside the tube thingummy.
Jul 24, 2012 at 9:39 PM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
Look at the exploded diagram above... remove the nut (#48) from the
broken #50 piece, the part you are replacing.

Tap the old remaining piece of #50 out of the metal sleeve.

Clean the metal tube that #50 goes through.

Lube the new piece and slide it in place (attaches to #49 on either
side of the metal tube/casting).

Attach the nut to the new #50 piece and center the adjustment in
the slot before tightening the nut.

Thomas
Jul 24, 2012 at 10:14 PM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
Amazing what you can find with Google!

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/multi/shifter-adjust-VW-Audi.htm

Thomas
Jul 24, 2012 at 10:18 PM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Problem.... the diagram you posted doesnt match what the image on the link you provided. The image of the Mk3 matches my car... but not the diagram. In the diagram you posted, #5 doesn't look the same as on my car. On my car, as well as in the image through that link, the top cable is attached between stuff on the part. Where-as on the diagram, it doesnt show anything holding the top cable to the part I'm replacing. I'm very confused and I'm terrified that I'll get stuff taken apart, and have to push my car 33 miles to the dealership because I have the wrong part, or it doesnt work or I'm unable to get it apart. It just doesnt make any sense.
Jul 24, 2012 at 10:54 PM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
sorry *#50
Jul 24, 2012 at 10:55 PM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
For example... what metal sleave? I see no metal sleaves.
Jul 24, 2012 at 10:56 PM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
Part #50 that you are replacing is marked in yellow in the attached
image... the metal sleeve if the metal casting circled in red.

It shouldn't be difficult figuring out if you hold the new part against
the old one while the old one is still in place.

Maybe "an expert" can provide more detail...

Thomas
Jul 24, 2012 at 11:07 PM
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
her eis a pic there are two different trnasmissions so this may not be right
Jul 24, 2012 at 11:08 PM
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
hereis a pic of the other style your production date has to be after 5/99 for this though
Jul 24, 2012 at 11:10 PM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
Twice wrong...
Jul 24, 2012 at 11:12 PM
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
i dont know what you have as i've gone from 1998 to 2001 and cannot find this shifter in our manual. is this a u.s. car or european/export
Jul 24, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
North American Market...

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?999021

Thomas (non-expert)
Jul 25, 2012 at 12:04 AM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
I think you might not be understanding which part is broken. I outlined the broken plastic piece in yellow and outlined the metal bolt it attaches to in red.
Jul 25, 2012 at 12:23 AM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Ok, and I down loaded the picture from the linkyou provided that looks like my car. Once again, I circled the broken plastic thingy in yellow and the metal bolt in red.
Jul 25, 2012 at 12:26 AM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
Felicia,

I am 100% sure what I am talking about. I gave you the part number, if you already have the
new part in hand, you will see that it is just like to old part... except that the old part is installed
through that metal sleeve (below that nut).

I have been working for the same VW Specialty Shop for 20 years and have changed many
of these plastic pieces.

I don't get paid for helping here, and this is already way past what is needed to explain.

Hold the new part up against the old.... you will figure out how it is supposed to sit, then you just need
to remove the old (any way you can, will probably be seized in place)

Good luck,

Thomas
Jul 25, 2012 at 1:09 AM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
The nut is the "adjustment" for the shifter cable that attaches to the broken piece... just center
the nut in the "slot" and tighten.

Thomas
Jul 25, 2012 at 1:12 AM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Not trying to be disrespectful about your experience. BUT anyone with eyes can be mistaken about what they see. The piece that is broken is attached at the bolt and does not go through anything metal. I did see the part in person. and the technician at the dealership also looked at my car. I was simply on here trying to get input. Originally, I was not aware of what was wrong. As of right now, I just need instructions on how to replace the part that is broken. Because it appears that you have given me directions on how to replace a different piece than what is broken on my car. If it frustrates you that I am going to continue looking for an answer to my question about how to install/replace the part that is actually broken, I don't know what to tell you. I appreciate your effort, but at this point, there really is no point to continue arguing with you.
Jul 25, 2012 at 1:40 PM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
I appologize.

I get frustrated too easily I guess... at the top of this thread, you
posted the part number of the part you bought (the part that I also
suspected)... another picture is attached below.

If this is NOT the part, then I will leave this thread alone.

If this IS the part, then do as I said above.

I have been giving you more help than the "official Experts" on
this site.

I don't know what more I can do WITH A KEYBOARD under my fingers.

The nut you circled attaches to the new part at the threaded stud you
see in the picture below.

I don't know what more I can explain.... it can only fit one way.

Thomas
Jul 25, 2012 at 2:09 PM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Thanks and I don't know what a "threaded nut" is. I think that is the most difficult part, not knowing the language of engine parts lol.
Jul 25, 2012 at 2:24 PM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
The metal bolt as you called it... the one circled in red. :-)

You need a 13mm wrench to remove it.

The bottom "long" part of the new piece goes through the metal part
below that but.

Can you sort of picture how it mounts now?

Again, I'm sorry if I come across harsh/short tempered... I am a
nice guy (I'm helping aren't I). :)

I'm starting my work day now... so might not be able to reply back
quickly, but will check back throughout the day.

I'm on the west coast of Canada, in case our time zones don't match.

Thomas
Jul 25, 2012 at 2:36 PM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
Felicia... I had a vehicle in today that uses the same plastic
piece that you are dealing with. I recorded a little video with
finger gestures on how to remove... silent video (I don't like to
hear my own voice).

I hope that it somehow clears-up how the part is removed... I hope
you are not still dealing with this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIyLx_oQ3C4

Thomas
Aug 1, 2012 at 1:25 AM
Avatar
FELICIAD
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
YlThanks. I fixed it on Friday. It took me awhile because I had a hard time getting the new part in. Its kind of funny but we ended up using Astroglide to get the stick part into the thingy. But now my car shifts so smooth. I didn't know it wasn't shifting properly until we replaced this piece. Next I'm going to be replacing my intake gasket on my 1995 Cutlass Supreme. Wish me luck!
Aug 1, 2012 at 4:38 AM
Avatar
EXOVCDS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,883 POSTS
LOL... good to hear you fixed it!

Good luck with your other project!

Thomas
Aug 1, 2012 at 4:51 AM