1998 A4 2.8L Manual.

I was driving and I noticed that my 2nd gear started popping out of its' socket by itself once in a while. I didn't think much of it until I was driving it couple days later and all of a sudden when I put it in 2nd gear, it wouldn't even grab the gear, but instead spit out the shifter and sound like a grinding noise if I tried to force it in. SO, my problem is that my 2nd gear literally will not bite and drive. So I'm stuck with jumping from 1st to 3rd. What is the problem, and how do I fix that?

 

it's your synchros. you can say that they synchronize things in the gear box and allow you to shift from gear to gear. well the one for your 2nd gear has gone bad. they have rebuild kits or you can buy a tranny from someone parting out a manual. i believe your tranny code is 01E? somebody confirm that for me. it's probably cheaper and less work to just replace the tranny though

 

The 2.8 transmission is a 01A just like our 1.8t, but the 2.8 has taller gearing. There are a few different transmission codes for the 2.8, I would post some but you didn't say if you have a FWD or quattro.

You can use www.car-parts.com to locate a transmission.

 

it's a quattro. so i should basically replace my transmission?

 

That or have it rebuilt, but that is not cheap but by the time you get it back all of the syncro's and seals will be brand new.

 

Hey,
I really don't want to high-jack this thread, but could someone just reply with a yes it is/ no it isn't normal reply...
but every since I had my tranny and clutch kit changed (n tranny fluids and all)..
When the car is cold, I can't really put it into second gear, I have to wait a few minutes before It will let me put it in (as if there's something metallic preventing me front putting it in second gear). Hence, when I'm in a hurry in cold days, I have to skip 2nd gear..
But once the car has heated up, everything is more then fine.
Is that normal?? This is my first Manuel car, that's why i'm asking..

 

That is not normal.

 

what i am deciding to do is, i'm going to keep driving it until it really dies on me, then i will part the whole car out for some money. i have an '02 A6 2.7T so i'll drive that around more often i guess. once i start parting it out, i will post a thread if anyone needs parts. this might be in a month or so when i finally paint my A6 tho.

thanks for all the advice guys.

 

Cool, this has been happening to me, particularly engine braking down this gravel road. Has happened three times.

Great, something else to worry about.

 

If your synchro is worn you can just skip the clutch and shift without it, you can squeeze some extra miles out of it.