Reverse does not fully engage, pops out.

[dvom]

Let me first say I have adjusted my shifter probably 100 times over the last four months with an angle gauge.
I have difficulty going into reverse fully(the reverse lights will flicker off and on as you are backing up) and will pop out almost daily, I can force the shifter up 4-5 times and it usually stays in.
6th gear feels similarly half engaged, but most adjustments I have done 6th does not pop out. Every other gear shifts great.
Who has had this issue and rebuilding or upgrading to solid shift linkage solved it, or didn't solve it? It is not easy or cheap to do and my shifter doesn't feel overly worn.
Is it worth the time and effort to just replace the plastic ball and socket repair kit on the trans, or should everything be upgraded if apart?

This post by scotty states the reverse detent can wear out, is this a detent that is accessible while repairing the linkage?
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8740180

[zillarob]

Make sure the 13mm nut that holds the lever on the side of the trans it tight.
If it has ever been off, people sometime like to lose the wedge inside that locks it in place. Nut will def loosen up it it is missing.

Try loosening the top center bolt and sliding the plastic shifter box thing backward a lil before retightening.
This should give you a bit more forward throw before the shifter ball or linkage binds. (leave the angle gauge in the toolbox and dont touch the lower bolt)

A short shifter would prob help, but dont mess with the linkage stuff. Maybe replace the socket thing on the trans if you are feeling brave, I usually do them when trans is out.

[Calif_Kid]

Is your current shifter linkage completely stock? The reason I ask, is that if it was upgraded to JHM's solid linkage, then there is a warning about having to cut/modify the linkage rod at https://jhmotorsports.com/products/p...l_Assembly.JPG. Years ago, when I had a shop install the solid linkage during an engine pull, they weren't aware of the need to cut/modify the linkage, and my car kept popping out of reverse, so I took it up to JHM, and they found and corrected the issue. I'm not sure if 6th gear would be affected by this, plus I'm not sure what would cause it if your shift linkage is stock, but just wanted to mention the possibility.

PS - there is also some good adjustment info at step 9 of the install section at http://www.audiworld.com/tech/misc47.shtml. I also remember a warning somewhere that it is always possible to install the shifter 180 degrees out, but I believe in that case, you won't be able to get reverse at all. - Jim

[Yuppie]

What shifter do you have? When you put it in reverse does it stay in position but pops up?

[sxC]

Can confirm, with the JHM shifter and linkage if you do not have the linkage rod shaved/cut down it will not go into reverse or 5th/6th. All the other gears will feel normal.

This exact thing happened to me just a few months ago.

[zillarob]

That jhm solid linkage thing is badass, but you better eat yr wheaties

[dvom]

Yea all stock, I bought it with a blown motor, blown turbos, ripped seats, everything was factory, just driven until dead, but nice paint somehow. I did the motor swap so I got a good look at the trans while apart, I wish I knew it had a problem before...
Anyone else know about that installing something 180 degrees out?