hurai

I have a 1998.5 qtms and it shifts extremely smooth, but sometimes it's hard to get it into first gear at a complete stop (goes in easily if the car is still rolling slightly). Any suggestions? Would a short-shifter help or is this something more-likely related to the transmission?

Thanks in advance!
- Hurai

markbradford

First gear doesn't have a syncro either.

It's odd that you say that if you are rolling to a stop it's not tough- usually that requires givig it some gas to rev match a bit. At a stop if it doesn't immediately go in, release the clutch with the shifter in neutral and try again.

BIG NIPPER

A monkey could have figured that out...=P

Keyna

Double clutch or try poping it into third and then back to first.

Audi4orce

LOL

markbradford

ooIoo

:-P

Tbandido

It sounds like your clutch is failing to fully disengage. This can happen if either the clutch slave or master cylinder is leaking or needs to be bled of air.
Try pumping the clutch pedal several times quickly and see if it engages more easily, this would suggest air in the system.

The other option, which can be more of a nightmare is the pilot bearing may be hanging up keeping the transmission spinning even with the pedal all the way in.

JAFO

go to tech for short shifter and find out how to loosen shifter assy. then with car in first gear pull shiftknob towards drivers side of car, and retighten shifter with **** held over. worth a shot no cost!

hurai

The bottom line is that it gets a bit frustrating at times. I guess I'm a perfectionist, but I think such an awesome car as the a4 should not have an issue with first gear.

I'm reluctant to take it to the dealer and pay big $$$ just for them to look at it and most likely say "looks ok to us" or even worse yet "well looks like a new tranny might help a bit".

Anyway, thanks for your help!
- Hurai

skabaru

and since he isn't much smarter than a monkey, what can you expect?