Reverse on my 97 volkswagen jetta

VWVortex.com - 1997 MK3 Jetta 2.0L 8v 5spd Reverse Gear Problem ...

forums.vwvortex.com > ... > Golf III & Jetta III
Dec 8, 2006 - 25 posts - ‎18 authors Hello, I have a 1997 MK3 Jetta 2.0L 8v 5spd my reverse gear is ... car in reverse- always, not even a little rolling, i have found that vw trannys r .... Member MKIII_96'sAvatar .... misalignment and problems with the transmission staying in gear. .... You can ask a hundred ways, but it won't change the answer/s. Won't go into 5th gear.
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Volkswagen Cabrio Questions - pops out of reverse ...

www.cargurus.com > Questions > Volkswagen > Cabrio
CarGurusMar 26, 2012 - My 96 Cabrio pops out of reverse then makes grinding noise. ... worse case is the reverse gear has a few teeth missing which is a common problem in 97 and older ... Won't stay in reverse 1 answer ... 1991 Volkswagen Passat.

Bad transmission if it is an automatic or a bad clutch if it is a stick.

you might need gear oil or trainmission flouid

Your clutch is probably worn out, This would explain both of your issues

your transmission does not have a synchronized reverse gear. it is an easy fix you just have to remove the transmission (i can do it in about an hour on a hoist) and remove the cover closest to the left side of the vehicle. there you will see that the reverse idler gear is stripped. replace it. clean up the metal shavings and change the trans fluid.

wierd not normal. are you sure you have eased off the throttle enough just before you dip the clutch, diesels can lag slightly, is it a turbo? turbo could create even greater lag

Reverse or first gear are both about the same gear ratio, low, to be more specific, and getting into those gears, although you're only having a problem with one,is an indication that the clutch is getting worn and not throwing out enough. This is gennerally caused by the fingers on the pressure plate wearing and warping over the years. I can only assume you've never had to replace the clutch so far correct? Considering the vehicles 14th birthday is just passed it may be time.

Sounds like the clutch cable or spring has gone, but seeing as it went gradually probably the spring. It basically means that the clutch plate isn't lifting from against the big end, the grinding noise being the fact that you're forcing the car in to gear when the input shaft is still spinning. If you don't know how to take the gearbox off yourself then take it to a dealer, the way to get it to drive for now would have to be to start the car in first, or have someone bump it, the carefully work your way in to third by matching the gears before pushing the gearstick in. This is quite difficult and can do damage to your gearbox so be careful if you do this, otherwise get it towed.

You have bad sycronizers in the gearbox. They are made of softer metal so they will wear out. They are used to smoothly shifte from one gear to another. How does the clutch feel? Any play in the shifter? Could be the clutch going bad, or play in the shifter also.

If there is a grinding noise then you have a rev. gear, sounds like a clutch issue to me.