We’ll wait!

 

Replaced shifter cables (not a fun job). Identical symptoms. Will lock into, start and stay in 2nd or 4th no problem (besides the obvious bogging). Absolutely will not shift into 2nd or 4th while driving. You can feel it’s just spongy instead of the solid locked in feel like when it’s not moving. I felt the linkage at the transmission when the cables were off and it moved freely and had no play. Also adjusted by procedure and tries some different settings same deal.

 

If the transmission levers move easily by hand the cables should move them.
Have put eyeballs on the trans end while your beautiful assistant moves the shifter? You should be able to see the cable bending if the trans is resisting.

 

It locks in perfect at idle so when I watch as she does it it’s normal. I could try jacking up the front end and have her drive it in the air while shifting.

 

I agree with those guys….make sure bushing and other related parts are good first….easier and cheaper. I just rebuilt Jetta 5 speed…lot of effort involved and if you need parts its expensive. If the bushing and cable ends dont fix problem….could be worn 2-4th fork….worn slider and or detent keys….worn syncros (if into it that far unkess they look really good I would replace syncros)

 

I’m going to check and drain some oil to verify likely internal transmission damage before moving forward. Thank you all for the help.

 

there is a guy that has used one for sale on fb marketplace in Cottondale, AL…250.00….you might take look at it. No idea what shipping cost to NY

 

Update: I drained the transmission fluid. Measured 1 quart of nice clean red fluid. No brass or metal deposits that were visible.

I filled it with 2 quarts of dextron III and took it for a short test drive and it immediately started staying in gear! Still isn’t perfect but maybe it will come back around with some miles.

I’ll update again after I see how it does on a 100 mile trip tomorrow.

On this transmission there’s no way to check the fluid level besides draining it. And this car has no significant leaks anywhere. I’m thinking when the axles were changed or the clutch put in by the previous owner someone didn’t top it off or put in the correct amount.

 

1.7 Qt. for drain and fill.
#31 is the level check port.

 

Thanks for the accurate information! I didn’t realize there was a check port and should have looked up official specs. Is it level with the check port? So I can just pull it, let it drain and it will be at the proper level?