A2 1.4 TDI suddenly stuck in 1st gear.

Good to know they were both correctly locked prior to adjusting the cables.

With the cables disconnected from the gearbox selector can the gearstick be smoothly placed into all gears? If not try unclipping both cables from the bracket and try again. If now correctly obtains each gear position then reclip the cables back into the bracket and ensure it matches the manual picture with the cable locked in. Try again to select each gear using the gearstick. If not all gears or stiff suspect the cables. At this point you will need to check the underside of the gearstick to try to see the problem. Let us know how things progress.
 
And when you pulled the pin out it still slopped neutral to second? Time to start digging; do you have access to a manual? I suspect a good chunk of the interior is coming out
Edit: Audifan’s response wasn’t showing when I responded. Didn’t want to cut across anything. Get a manual and start digging.
 
Following more checking of the cables, brackets etc in the engine bay with no signs of success we decided to explore around the gearstick area so set about removing the centre console etc which proved challenging within our limited time available each day.

This seems to be the problem, (photos 3 and 4 are when trying to engage gear.
The damaged cable is the one that controls the rotation of the selector arm hence not pushing far enough to engage/disengage gears.

Whilst everything is dismantled we feel that it would probably be be worthwhile replacing both cables, would everyone agree?

Could anyone verify the part numbers for the cables please? Our A2 is a 2005 1.4TDI 75BHP model.
Would it be worth replacing other components at the same time?

We have found three possible part numbers which are:- 8Z0 711 874 J, 8Z0 711 874 N and 8Z0 711 874 S


Thank you very much for your help in diagnosing possible problems everyone.
 

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Time permitting we hope to unbolt the gearstick housing from the car tomorrow to have an inspection underneath.

As mentioned it appears to have been a sudden failure, the gear change has been relatively smooth and we had not noticed any gradual deterioration, bangs or clunks whilst changing gear.

We have owned this A2 for over 5 years and she is over 16 now with around 114,000 miles on the clock.

We haven't felt the need to adjust the gear change before.

Philward, we found the part numbers from that site but there are three options for item 40/41.

Thanks again.
 
Howdy Ay 2 said:
Following more checking of the cables, brackets etc in the engine bay with no signs of success we decided to explore around the gearstick area so set about removing the centre console etc which proved challenging within our limited time available each day.

This seems to be the problem, (photos 3 and 4 are when trying to engage gear.
The damaged cable is the one that controls the rotation of the selector arm hence not pushing far enough to engage/disengage gears.

Whilst everything is dismantled we feel that it would probably be be worthwhile replacing both cables, would everyone agree?

Could anyone verify the part numbers for the cables please? Our A2 is a 2005 1.4TDI 75BHP model.
Would it be worth replacing other components at the same time?

We have found three possible part numbers which are:- 8Z0 711 874 J, 8Z0 711 874 N and 8Z0 711 874 S


Thank you very much for your help in diagnosing possible problems everyone.
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I was under the impression that the A2 Tdi gearchange cables are no longer available as of relatively recently - so if there are any being dismantled that turn out to be good condition that might be your best bet at the moment. I am open to correction obviously.
 
Robin Cox.

If that is the case then that could be bad news as most A2's will be at least 16 years old by now.

Hopefully someone will be able to produce new cables for the A2.
 
When you read the part numbers from the relevant page, if you see this F 8Z-2-052 001>> this means applicable to VIN numbers over this value so safe to say this is the part number applicable to your car. Although the TR codes are for petrol engines!

8Z0711874N​


Recently I asked Audi if there were other selector cables from the family ranges that were suitable to replace the A2 ones that now do indeed appear to be NLA.

All the gearboxes appear to select in the same way so if we find cables with correct fittings and length then should be good. Failing that it is trying to source used cables that may be not much better.
 
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audifan said:
When you read the part numbers from the relevant page, if you see this F 8Z-2-052 001>> this means applicable to VIN numbers over this value so safe to say this is the part number applicable to your car. Although the TR codes are for petrol engines!

8Z0711874N​


Recently I asked Audi if there were other selector cables from the family ranges that were suitable to replace the A2 ones that now do indeed appear to be NLA.

All the gearboxes appear to select in the same way so if we find cables with correct fittings and length then should be good. Failing that it is trying to source used cables that may be not much better.
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If they have a bowden arrangement then even a slight increase in overall length should be tolerated providing the cable movements continue to recreate the gearlever movements at the selector end - the mounting under the gearlever and the frame that bolts onto the top of the gearbox provides the cable stops at each end that need to be fixed in location with respect to the gearlever and selector but the path from one to the other could vary slightly (providing it doesn't then foul on something else or get crimped). On that basis I would assume that Polo or Fabia should be pretty close but one would only know that it will work by trying it - as you say also even Golf, Passat etc may be suitable, it just depends on the exact lengths.

Some of the more recent ones have a different cable end (pin mount rather than ball mount) but these can be swapped over by releasing the end mounts, or swapping the 'counterweight' piece.
 
Update.

Finally had some time today so managed to remove the cables completely.

Can imagine that reinstalling the cables through the bulkhead could be fun and a 2 person job due to lack of space in that area of the engine bay.

The cables removed from our 2005 1.4 TDI BHC are labelled 8Z0 711 874 S see photo.

Would the outer cables and sheath normally be crimped inside the tube to the connecting rod?
 

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Howdy Ay 2 said:
Update.

Finally had some time today so managed to remove the cables completely.

Can imagine that reinstalling the cables through the bulkhead could be fun and a 2 person job due to lack of space in that area of the engine bay.

The cables removed from our 2005 1.4 TDI BHC are labelled 8Z0 711 874 S see photo.

Would the outer cables and sheath normally be crimped inside the tube to the connecting rod?
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Looking at the one that has come apart I would imagine it looked originally identical at the interface between the bowden outer and the metal component to the one below it in image A4, and that as the outers have come apart the assembly has slid up the cable. The metal part would cover over the exposed reinforcing wires completely. Will it slide back over these or are the cables too large to do this now that the cover is not holding them in compression?

With regard to my earlier reply about compatibility of other cable sets - the cables themselves may be able to be swapped in some cases, but the various grommets and outers etc necessary to pass through bulkheads and so on may be in quite different places in some of the other cable sets which may impact on transferability somewhat. I've no doubt that there will be a way, but without some numbers and information it is a bit difficult to visualise right now.
 
Yes the crimp failed. Have you considered pushing it back in and getting solder on it? Yes I know it is a long shot and a bodge but it may get you mobile while sourcing a replacement.
 
Placing the inner sleeve inside the crimp fitting ( may need a sleeve over to keep centred) and the wire strands over the outside with a couple of clamps may work short term bending the ends over once held tight would prevent creap?
 
Philward and Weetank2


We tried to push the cable and wire strands back into the housing but they would only go in so far.

Not sure of the forces involved with changing gear (after seeing what has happened to this cable) as to whether clamping the wire strands would work and we don't fancy losing gears again whilst driving.

Luckily we have the use of another ( even older) vehicle or we would be forced into trying something like soldering, welding or clamping.

Thanks for the ideas though. ?
 
Probably wise to wait for a replacement cable if you are mobile.
The forces in changing gear are not great. Was playing with a VAG box yesterday. I was surprised how easily it slipped 1 to 2, 3 to4 and that was with the gear stick still attached. Could be worth checking the tower one last time, if nothing else you will feel the forces involved.
 
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