I have a 2001 Audi TT coupe with 6 speed with about 50,000 miles. I have noticed in the last few months that getting into 6th is more difficult. 5th to 6th must be very slow shift and even then it may end up in 4th. 4th to 6th is somewhat easier, but not like entering 5th. For sure, if i shift quickly from 5th, 95% of the time I end up in 4th.

Has anyone had a similar problems with their gearbox or do you have any suggestions on what might be going on here.
thanks

 

You probably need to adjust your shift linkage, or replace it.
As long as you have no grinding when trying to engage, shift linkage adjustment should take care of it

 

I found a site on the internet showing how to adjust the linkage for the 6 speed TT (2001). Found it is straight forward, everything comes apart fairly well. Did the adjustment as shown. Everygthing works fine, except still can not get in 6th.
Does anyone know whether the shift cable clamps being worn could be problem. Seems kind of unlikely since other gears engage.
Any thoughts? Otherwise I am left to the sharks at the dealer.
thanks
wayne

 

It is probably the syncro if everthing is adjusted correctly

 

I have had syncro problems on other cars, but normally you hear the teeth gnashing when you put it in gear. I have never had syncros preventing me getting in gear? Of course, this is my first Audi TT. My Porsche, Mustang and MGB all acted the same, noisy to engage, but the gear would engage. Syncros sound pricey.... :-(

 

I have replaced quite a few syncros because of this, I usually found that TT's would grind for a short time then just not engage, but who knows. It's the labor that is really killer, the syncros are not too bad..

 

Thanks for the information update. My experience with synchros is that there is always some misengagement noise. I have had none. After doing the suggestes alignment procedure the shift into 6th actually worsened. Later, my son was driving it and he tried a trick. While driving in forth gear, he physically pulled the shifter handle toward him and then it was shift into 6th gear. SO the issue with linkage may be at the shift lever location and not at the gear box proper. I have an appointment with dealer next.
I just wanted to have as much data on hand as possible before handing the key to them.

Kind of a strange technical malady. Thanks to all for your inputs.

 

No problem!!

 

Got the TT back from the dealer. The adjustment procedure I performed was good, the issue was a bolt in the gear box that was loose preventing accurate alignment of the cables. The bolt was loosened, they beleive, by minor oil leaks from cam cover leaking on the bolt. All corrected and it shifts just fine into the 6th. NO synchro issues; as I has suspected as I never heard any grinding.

thanks all. Maybe this will help someone in the future, with similar sympthoms..
wayne

 

Hello WDavis, in your September 2010 post below, you stated you found a site on the web that showed how to adjust the shift linkage on your 2001 Audi TT. I've search and can't seem to find one. Could you provide the link or can anyone else offer any feedback on this subject.
My 2001 Audi TT Quattro is very difficult to shift into 6th gear.