1996 Tsi AWD wont go into reverse..?

[GODofWARREN]

Just got this beast but she has this issue, she wont go into reverse. The guy i got it from said that he had a clutch put in but they didnt bleed the clutch after the job so it wont go into reverse. The pedal does feel squishy and extremely light ( as per norm when you have air in it and it needs bled) but it doesnt make sense why it will go into all 5 gears but not reverse. I can clutch in and go into all gears except when i clutch in and go into reverse, it feels like the clutch didnt engage and the "wall" is still there blocking the path. Im thinking maybe its the linkage...? or worst case scenario is the gearbox, but wouldnt that show signs of issues in the other gears?Any ideas? thanks.

 

[mitsumelgsx]

i had this same issue i replaced my clutch and no more issue

 

[luv2rallye]

When the reverse idler teeth get rounded it becomes harder to shift into reverse. In this case, quite often if you let the clutch out to where it just barely starts to grab while trying to shift into reverse, it will slip in.

 

[GODofWARREN]

So luv2rallye, how do i fix it? new clutch, linkage..? hah ill go try what you said but im thinking long term here.
And I just tryed to slip it in like you said at the top of engagement, but it still wont go in. doesnt even seem to effect the "wall" blocking the path. Does this mean jacked up clutch?

 

[luv2rallye]

Well it probably isn't rounded reverse idler gear teeth then. Check your shift linkage to be bolted down on the tranny properly. Also if it's hitting something like the lower radiator hose. Will it go into reverse with engine off and not pressing clutch? Have someone shift while you watch the linkage for movement. Finally disconnect the linkage from tranny and see if you can manually shift the tranny levers into reverse with your hand. If you can, and linkage didn't move when you looked at it, examine the bushings on the gear shifter for wear.

 

[GODofWARREN]

Well I can say right now i know the shifter wont go into reverse with car off and not pressing the clutch. i cant get it to go in at all. Ill grab the old man and check the linkage and let you know on that ina a couple hours er so.

 

[porkchop]

Make sure your counter weight isn't hitting anything like a radiator hose for instance. Also have your pops look under the hood while you shift it into reverse and see which way it moves. Then try to manually shift it with the car off from under the hood. (not from the drivers seat)
If you can shift it from there then get in your car and start it with the clutch in and let off slowly. If it is no dice on that then you probably have internal issues.