Stuck in 3rd Gear...HELP!!....Please :)

richard2k6

richard2k6

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Hi Everyone!

I've got a problem with my A3 8L, its stuck in third gear, the clutch is working find, but trying to change gear takes alot of effort (didn't do this too much as I was afraid I'll break something) and nothing happens. After a bit of googling, its looking like a selector fork is gone.... if I can get some to take the gearbox off is it relatively simple to replace the forks?

Also if it sounds like i'm going down the wrong path, please feel free to tell me! Cheers

(I love my A3! it might be old but I dont want it to die now!)
 
Failing selector fork rivets are a known issue of the 02M/02Q boxes

The fork can be repaired and its rivet welded up
I was led to believe can be accessed after removing the casing, without having to dismantle any of the gears

DIY welded forks:
02m welded forks
02M 4Motion transmission upgrade thread

There are various aftermarket forks available, but quite pricey such as: USP Steel forks
 
Wow thanks for getting back to me so quick snow!

I wasnt too sure if I should go for an upgrade or just get audi replacement. I'm not blessed enough to have a welder (or the skills!)

The last time this happened, I took it to a garage, cost me 4k as they said it needed replacement the gearbox (used I think)...and of course 2 years later its happened again!
 
Second hand gearboxes are not that expensive. I had the selector fork go on me and I thought I might just get it fixed but after looking about removing the box and sending it somewhere to get repaired worked out more expensive than buying a second hand box off Ebay (with a warranty).

Just make sure you get the right code for your gearbox as there are a few variations on the 02m box.
 
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I did think 4k was very steep, thats why I thought I'll look into fixing it myself. How can I tell what gearbox I actually have? Cheers
 
Think somone made a nice profit margin there at your expense :(
 
the sticker in the service manual or in the boot under the carpet should have all the codes for your car on it. So you should see your engine code EG BAM and then another like 02m FMN (this is the gearbox code)
 
Sorry to be a pain, but I've looked through the service book, they only noted down the VIN number.. which I can read anyway. I've got no sticker in the spare wheel well either. I did take the engine cover off and WW0 (or WWO) also v420 would those be useful? I'll get around to uploading when I figure out how!

Thanks for all your help so far!!!
 
I am guessing you have a TDi based on those pics... you should make sure you post the year/model of your A3 when askin for help..

TDi gearboxes are differnt to petrol ones... final drive ratios are taller due to low RPM's on a derv... you will need to buy a box suitable for a TDi and this will narrow availability a little... do you have the 5 speed or 6 speed box?

<tuffty/>
 
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vrbob said:
AUDI TT/S3 GEARBOX (02M AUDI SEAT VW) | eBay

this is an 02m listed on Ebay as you can see in the pic it shows the codes and this is where you will find on your box too if you cant find the info in your service book or boot sticker
Click to expand...

This box is for a quattro petrol... need to establish what car the OP has first... makes a big difference in box selection especially as it appears he has a TDi

<tuffty/>
 
Listen to what Tuffty says!

the box I linked to is for an S3 so yeah if yours is a TDi make sure you get a direct replacement
 
Thanks for all the help! Sorry i've got an 2003 A3 1.9 TDi Quattro - 6 speed
 
richard2k6 said:
Thanks for all the help! Sorry i've got an 2003 A3 1.9 TDi Quattro - 6 speed
Click to expand...

Ah... even more boned then... rare beast the TDi quattro... personally I would see if you can find someone who would be willing to fix your selectors tbh... any decent gearbox place should be able to sort I would imagine...

<tuffty/>
 
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Seems to be a common theme with this car... must admit wasn't many on the autotrader when I bought it! I can a garage to take out my gearbox (and put it back after) for around £350. If I could source some forks, would it be a case of swapping the broken ones out?

Also whlie the gearbox is out is it worth getting the clutch done?

I'm going to get in touch with Audi tomorrow with my VIN and see if they can tell me what gearbox should be in there :)

Thanks again people for all your help today!


just saw this:
Audi S3 8L & TT 8N 6 speed gearbox + transfer box. Quattro, A3 FMN | eBay
 
Cheers, just dropped audi and email with my VIN to get the proper gearbox code... then hopefully during the week I'll get some new forks.. its going to be a long week driving the "company car" Toyota Yaris eeeekkkk :unsure:

I'll let you guys know how I get on.. you all have been a lifesaver!! Thanks again! I just wish I could give something back!!
 
PM me your reg and I'll check your code for you if you like.
 
audi upgrades
Yes

Wider variety in the specs of petrol 02M boxes
 
Thanks for all the responses I've got to admit was totally unexpected!! I think I've found my gearbox type... Pics to follow! No word yet from Audi....
 
CarGearboxFar1
I missed it befreo due to the grime... after alot of cleaning this appeared!!

CarGearbox2
Is the type FEL?

CarGearbox

I think I'll go for the repair option, £200 is alot better than 4K :D
 
Yup, just had a look for you FEL is the code audi say too.
 
Yeah if its a rare box to source repair is defo the best option. Get them to beef up the other clips whilst they are doing it too!
 
Will do, I dropped the ebay person an email for a bit more info. Will definately keep you all posted. If it all works out £200 for the fix isnt too bad
 
rupe said:
Yup, just had a look for you FEL is the code audi say too.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the confirmation :) Never even heard of that type in the forums so far! How did you manage to check with Audi so quick.... i still havent heard anything back from them!! :(
 
rupe said:
as I can login and have a look :cool:
Click to expand...

That is definately an advantage... I'll let you know if Audi ever get back to me with the details for my car!

I'm going to get the gearbox taken out soon... will the car be ok to tow on the road with a gaping hole where the gearbox was?
 
audi upgrades
Just an update... well garage wouldn't let me have the gearbox and car until they had fixed both (something about the engine needing to be supported if theres no gearbox) anyways, apparently two gears had become locked and jammed inside the gearbox. All fixed now and running ok
 
They are easy enough to drain the oil open the casing and replace said rivets with high tensile bolt and a nyloc nut reassemble casing and fill with oil and send it.

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
 
robbobjm said:
They are easy enough to drain the oil open the casing and replace said rivets with high tensile bolt and a nyloc nut reassemble casing and fill with oil and send it.

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Cheers bro this blokes been on his drive scratching his head for 5 years!
 
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I know yeah, he must of been ******. The information must be useless to anyone else

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
 
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