My 2005 VW golf manual transmission losing accelerating power but not popping out of gear like a bad clutch.

George, Not a lot out there to show removal of Polo tranny. May want to find a manual. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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VOLKSWAGEN POLO CLUTCH REPLACMENT part1
VW A2 Golf 1 8L Clutch Transmission 020 Removal
Front Wheel Drive car clutch replacement
http://www.repairservicemanuals.com/Volkswagen

The transmission linkage is either woprn out or the reverse gest cone is worn out.

A mechanic would check the clutch safety switch for power, then the key switch.

It has a manual transmission right? If so, try to start it by popping the clutch. That goes around the starter and will let us know if that's the problem.

Almost all 1967 VW beetles came with a 4 speed manual transmission. A few had a "semi-automatic" transmission which was basically a VW manual transmission with an electrically actuated clutch and a torque converter. For the semi-auto, there was no clutch pedal. Instead there was an electrical connector at the bottom of the stick shift. When the driver touched the shift and started to move it to shift gears, the contact would be made and the clutch engaged. This would confuse people if they were used to driving with their hand on the stick shift.

1. If the engine is racing when you go up the hill, then the clutch may be slipping. If you have the semi-auto, then the torque converter may be bad.

2. If the engine is not racing and you're just losing power, then there may not be enough gas getting to the engine. Check the fuel pump output as another answer suggests. The carb's float and needle valve may not be opening all the way, thereby not allowing enough fuel into the carb. Or, you may have a partially blocked main jet in the carb which is not letting enough fuel to flow into the engine.

1993-2005 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (A3-A4) Hatchback & Sedan Workshop Repair Service Manual - 350MB PDF

1993 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Golf GTI Cabrio A3 A4 Hatchback Sedan...

This is a COMPLETE Service and Repair Manual for your 1993 1994 1955 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (1.8L turbo, 1.9L TDI and PD diesel 2.0L gasoline, 2.8 LVR6) (A3, A4 Platform) Hatchback & Sedan. It covers every single detail. All models, and all engines are included.

This QUALITY manual is 100 percents COMPLETE and INTACT, no MISSING/CORRUPT pages/sections to freak you out! Detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings and photos guide you through every service repair procedure. This manual can be viewed on any computer, as well as zoomed and printed. All repair procedures are covered A-Z. This manual for VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio makes any repair job easy to do with very easy to follow step-by-step instructions & pictures on all areas of repair.

1993 1994 1955 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (1.8L turbo, 1.9L TDI and PD diesel 2.0L gasoline, 2.8 LVR6) (A3, A4 Platform) Hatchback & Sedan
===========
Format: PDF
System: All Versions of Windows, Mac, iOS, BB, Android, etc..
Requirements: PDF Reader.
Printable: Yes

TABLE OF CONTENT (example)

GENERAL INFORMATION *

ENGINE *
engine mechanical
engine lubrication system
engine cooling system
engine control system
fuel system
exhaust system

TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE *
clutch
manual transaxle
automatic transaxle

DRIVELINE/AXLE *
front axle
rear axle

SUSPENSION *
front suspension
rear suspension
road wheels & tyres

BRAKES *
brake system
parking brake system
brake control system

STEERING *
power steering system
steering system

RESTRAINTS *
seat belts
supplemental restraint system (srs)

BODY *
body, lock & security system
glasses, window system & mirrors
roof
exterior & Interior
Instrumental panel
seat

AIR CONDITIONER *
air conditioner system

ELECTRICAL *
wiring diagrams
starting & charging system
lighting system
driver information system
wiper, washer & horn
body control system
lan system
audio visual, navigation & telephone system
auto cruise control system
power supply, ground & circuit elements

MAINTENANCE *
maintenance

INDEX *
alphabetical Index

1993 1994 1955 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (1.8L turbo, 1.9L TDI and PD diesel 2.0L gasoline, 2.8 LVR6) (A3, A4 Platform) Hatchback & Sedan

This car has both options of auto transmission plus manual gear **** so the only reason it can shudder when the clutch is not fully released and thus takes some time, that's when it shudders, but on accelerating this will not happen cos the centripetal clutch has enough torque such that the clutch is pressed hard to the cam & therefore no shuddering. On cruising speed the probability of clutch slipping making the car shudder. Thus changing the clutch assembly ought eliminate this problem....sodeep

a arm bushings worn out

The cable you are refering to should not be slack or, come off tighten it and, secure it also; check the transmission shift cable

I had the same problem when I bought my GTI a few years back. It turned out that the reverse gear was shot which resulted in a new transmission. It kinda sounds like you may be in the same boat.