1994 Jetta Reverse Problems

[turky1000]

My Jetta III was making some loud clicking noises for quite some time only when going in reverse. (Sounded kind of like a bad cv when going around a corner). Now I can't even hold it in reverse without it popping out. Is there a simple fix or will I need to replace or rebuild the tranny. If so, what years are compatible with my Jetta tranny?
Thanks
Ryan

[veedubmechanic]

Sounds like the reverse gear or reverse fork is broken. Time for a new tranny. Any golf/jetta w/ the aba 2.0 engine fits that tranny.

[turky1000]

Thanks for the info.

[ctuagent117]

my cars just making that clicking sound it hasnt gotten that messed up yet

[Jetta545]

Mine dose the same thing I have been driving on it for 40k miles no problem so far will it go soner or later.

[mars-red]

This is a fairly common problem on A3 Golfs/Jettas. As someone already stated, a used transmission from any 2.0 A3 (1993-1998ish) will work. Just be aware that this is a pretty common problem, so there's a fair chance that a used transmission will end up with the same issue.

If you can afford it, your best bet is a rebuilt transmission (either buy a rebuilt one, or have yours rebuilt).

If you're very mechanically inclined and *very* patient, you can do a rebuild yourself. I know two people that aren't mechanics by trade that have done successful rebuilds of these transmissions. I'd really like to give it a shot someday.

I have heard all kinds of opinions as to what causes this, and probably the only one that I put any faith in at all is that it's a combination of the reverse gear being brittle and the fact that people (in general) aren't very careful with transmissions. Reverse gear is just delicate, so you have to be careful with it - make sure you're completely stopped before putting it into (or taking it out of) reverse. And keep the transmission fluid healthy.

[98JettaK2]

I have the same problem and after looking around in the blogs, I realize it's a common problem. My reverse makes a horrible grinding noise and can barely go a little before popping out. I can get out of parking spots, but I have to be really careful how I park.

The best answer I got from people is that the transmission in synchro'ed in the forward gears but not in reverse. So when you're moving forward slightly and go into reverse, the pin that you push in to go into the reverse has just crushed a couple of reverse gear teeth, and the debris is in your tranny somewhere.

The short answer is that you need a rebuild or a new tranny. My 98 was the last year for this model, and I figure it's not worth it to fix it. I think my blue book value is around $2,000.

[ctuagent117]

Wow- this thread was a while ago, Lol.
Yea, I've learned quite a bit since then. Im a tech at a VW dealer now. Most cars dont have synchronizers in reverse. The problem with the 020 transmission on these cars is that the reverse gear itself is junk, and not coming to a complete stop before moving into first will chip the gear.

In the end, I drag raced the jetta, drove the living piss out of it 24/7. It was a good first car, and even after all that abuse the Transmission never went out. I sold it about 3 months ago, still going strong when i sold it.

[heyyo302]

Pull out the transmission and pop off the cover. It could be one of the CV axles, wheel bearrings, transmission bearrings or gears, Or the tranny fluid(possibly). It is, though, most likely the tranny. Wheel bearrings around $10-$20. New CV axles around $20-$50. tranny around $100-$500 used. Search your local shop for above parts

[heyyo302]

Pull out the transmission and pop off the cover. It could be one of the CV axles, wheel bearrings, transmission bearrings or gears, Or the tranny fluid(possibly). It is, though, most likely the tranny. Wheel bearrings around $12-$20. New CV axles around $25-$50. tranny around $100-$400 used. Search your local shop for above parts