vRS Gear Change

HotVRs · 01-11-2005, 04:32

I know i've wittered on about this before, but I'm after opinions because I'm getting nowhere.
I often cannot get my vRS to go into second, something obstructs the gate. Skoda have been as much use as a chocolate fireguard, and say it's 'normal'.
I cannot realistically sell the useless heap because I'd lose too much money, the only alternative i reckon is to have an independent inspection and fix, then take Skoda to court for the cost. It's a bit sad when you leave a Fabia vRS in the garage and prefer to use an old Polo instead bacause it works better.
Anyone else had a problem like this?

Lummox · 01-11-2005, 07:04

Have you tried another dealer?

How long have you had the car?

MikeW · 01-11-2005, 08:40

There's definitely something wrong with it no matter what they say, the gearbox on the VRS is usually an absolute dream.

SteVRs · 01-11-2005, 12:16

How old is the car and do you have a diary of events (eg phone calls, letters, visits etc)?

devonutopia · 01-11-2005, 12:30

Oddly enough, when cold I have quite a sticky 2nd gear - feels like its crunching in, but this goes away once the car is going and has run for a minute or so - I've just put it down to it being cold? Its not just 2nd though. If I come to a stop, first is a bit sticky too, but not as bad. Third gear is always super smooth whenever.

Not sure what it could be - I might see if my dealer will do a full gearbox oil flush out / check, as I have put new stuff in recently, and it might not be the right amount / type.

MikeF · 01-11-2005, 14:01

i have a similar problem, it goes in but not smoothly, its like a clunk then in, i thought it was me, i have put it down as normal but it would be interesting to try another vrs to compare it too or have someone try mine.

Its like an obstruction, its better with a slower gear change, a fast gear change is out of the question.

I thought this was just a refinement issue on all fabia vrs's

WW_VRS · 01-11-2005, 14:33

I tend to have trouble with sixth gear (only) - I still think it should be something that can be adjusted. Give another garage nearby a call, explain the problem, perhaps they can help you without charging you for it. Must be frustrating though

SteVRs · 01-11-2005, 14:44

This is Skoda's responsibility - do not use another garage.

If you can prove you have taken reasonable steps and Skoda cannot resolve you have a good case for legal action. Don't accept shoddy service from anyone who you are paying money to - key phrase is 'Satisfactory Quality' as stated in sale of goods act.

If they cannot repair under warranty they are LEGALLY BOUND to replace or refund at YOUR discretion.

Edit: To all you guys above - the 4 Furbie vRS's in my family (one no more) have all been fine in this respect - get on to your dealer.

HotVRs · 01-11-2005, 18:14

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply, mine sounds exactly like Mike F's. When it goes into 2nd it 'clunks'. Skoda sent me a letter saying 'The gearbox is used across the VAG group and it has no inherent problems'. This is odd because I've read a fair amount of reports of VAG 6 speeders having notchy gearchanges.
It's a pain because other than that the car is great, but this ruins the driving experience.
I;ve had it 13 months and it's been to 2 dealers, one said they adjusted the linkage, but it didn't feel any better, the second said it is normal and couldn't fault it...
My first Furby vRS didn't do it...

The The · 01-11-2005, 18:21

My change from 2nd to 3rd was baulky when i first got the car but after a trip to my dealer in Middlesbrough, it is now super smooth,. So it can be adjusted.

HotVRs · 01-11-2005, 18:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeF

i have a similar problem, it goes in but not smoothly, its like a clunk then in, i thought it was me, i have put it down as normal but it would be interesting to try another vrs to compare it too or have someone try mine.

Its like an obstruction, its better with a slower gear change, a fast gear change is out of the question.

I thought this was just a refinement issue on all fabia vrs's

Mike, don't suppose you're in the North West are you?

Sam Tan · 01-11-2005, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by devonutopia

Oddly enough, when cold I have quite a sticky 2nd gear - feels like its crunching in, but this goes away once the car is going and has run for a minute or so - I've just put it down to it being cold? Its not just 2nd though. If I come to a stop, first is a bit sticky too, but not as bad. Third gear is always super smooth whenever.

Not sure what it could be - I might see if my dealer will do a full gearbox oil flush out / check, as I have put new stuff in recently, and it might not be the right amount / type.

Are you sure you havent got an old MK2 GTI, sounds just the same

sharkrider · 02-11-2005, 02:06

hhmmm, I've driven SO many cars, and this is one of the best gearchanges I've come accross, absolutely perfect, less 'notchy' than the new focus, better selection..... It needs fixing, if the dealer won't do it, try writing to auto express, or something, get a 'watchdog' on their tail

FunkySi · 02-11-2005, 15:12

VRS is not the slickest sproty hatchback box I have ever used, but it does the job.

No notches on mine , so I guess yours has a fault.

I had an intermittant 'knocking' problem on my VRS. Four times the garage said they couldn't find the fault. In the end I took the dealer for a little drive until the fault occured.

Perhaps you should take you dealer for a little drive in the country?

skinner · 02-11-2005, 18:50

My vrs also seems notchy going into second!

DervPwr · 02-11-2005, 19:45

Sounds 2 me like a bit of slopy shoulder action on behalf of ur main dealer.Perhaps try a different one Sounds to me like you got a Friday afternoon gearbox

Most main dealers want to deny anything and everything

MagicBoy · 02-11-2005, 20:35

I like it - it's a good gearbox. It's a tad clunky into second when it's cold otherwise it's well behaved with a positive action. It's nicer than the box on a Golf PD115 I've driven which was more notchy and felt oversprung. I ran a Peugeot 306DT a few years back and the gearbox on that was annoying - had a long throw with a heavy clutch and it was very imprecise and notchy - felt a bit like stirring treacle that was full of bolts. The gearbox was annoying enough to spoil the car when out for a blat.

Nicest box I've had was the 4 speeder on my Mk2 VW Jetta 1.3. Short throw and a positive action even with 110k on it. I could quite happily disengage 2nd/3rd/4th using a single finger without the clutch. The synchro was a bit dodgy on 3rd though as it started to make crunchy noises if you didn't double-declutch going into 3rd after 105k.

Mil · 03-11-2005, 04:57

Has somethin' to do with them gates. It can be adjusted. The only problem I've had with my gearbox was reverse gear being extremely difficult to get into. Had it sorted at the dealers and now it goes in with out any problem at all.

chowy · 03-11-2005, 10:32

I have no problems with mine what so ever - touch wood. So it can't be normal!

cheeky · 03-11-2005, 11:03

I'm still finding first difficult to engage, even with almost 19k on the clock. I took it back the third day I had the car and was told at the dealer that they were not allowed to look at it until 5k miles. At the 10k service, I was told they weren't allowed to look at it until 15k. I'm hoping that they won't say they can't look at it until 25k at the imminent 20k service.

It has got better but it still isn't as it should be.

01-11-2005, 04:32	#1
HotVRs Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 395 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	vRS Gear Change I know i've wittered on about this before, but I'm after opinions because I'm getting nowhere. I often cannot get my vRS to go into second, something obstructs the gate. Skoda have been as much use as a chocolate fireguard, and say it's 'normal'. I cannot realistically sell the useless heap because I'd lose too much money, the only alternative i reckon is to have an independent inspection and fix, then take Skoda to court for the cost. It's a bit sad when you leave a Fabia vRS in the garage and prefer to use an old Polo instead bacause it works better. Anyone else had a problem like this?

01-11-2005, 07:04	#2
Lummox U18 Automotive Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 21,762 Thanks: 22 Thanked 636 Times in 545 Posts	Have you tried another dealer? How long have you had the car? __________________ Unit 18 Automotive Services now open Servicing, repairs, modifications you name it we do it. Cupra console bushes at special price, PM for a very competitive quote.

01-11-2005, 12:16	#4
SteVRs Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 3,063 Thanks: 4 Thanked 19 Times in 11 Posts	How old is the car and do you have a diary of events (eg phone calls, letters, visits etc)? __________________ Bike with engine coming soon...

01-11-2005, 12:30	#5
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ooo-ar, Oi be from Devonshire Posts: 29,499 Thanks: 60 Thanked 308 Times in 253 Posts	Oddly enough, when cold I have quite a sticky 2nd gear - feels like its crunching in, but this goes away once the car is going and has run for a minute or so - I've just put it down to it being cold? Its not just 2nd though. If I come to a stop, first is a bit sticky too, but not as bad. Third gear is always super smooth whenever. Not sure what it could be - I might see if my dealer will do a full gearbox oil flush out / check, as I have put new stuff in recently, and it might not be the right amount / type. __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

01-11-2005, 14:33	#7
WW_VRS Escorted Estate Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oxfordshire/Berkshire Posts: 9,736 Thanks: 44 Thanked 70 Times in 61 Posts	I tend to have trouble with sixth gear (only) - I still think it should be something that can be adjusted. Give another garage nearby a call, explain the problem, perhaps they can help you without charging you for it. Must be frustrating though __________________ WW --->> Project Journal (pic links in first post there) Lummox'/Ross thread on Unit18 Automotive progress on my car: here

01-11-2005, 08:40	#3
MikeW Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Midlands UK Posts: 1,505 Thanks: 9 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	There's definitely something wrong with it no matter what they say, the gearbox on the VRS is usually an absolute dream.

01-11-2005, 14:01	#6
MikeF Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: north west uk (bury) Posts: 1,293 Thanks: 47 Thanked 33 Times in 24 Posts	i have a similar problem, it goes in but not smoothly, its like a clunk then in, i thought it was me, i have put it down as normal but it would be interesting to try another vrs to compare it too or have someone try mine. Its like an obstruction, its better with a slower gear change, a fast gear change is out of the question. I thought this was just a refinement issue on all fabia vrs's

01-11-2005, 14:44	#8
SteVRs Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 3,063 Thanks: 4 Thanked 19 Times in 11 Posts	This is Skoda's responsibility - do not use another garage. If you can prove you have taken reasonable steps and Skoda cannot resolve you have a good case for legal action. Don't accept shoddy service from anyone who you are paying money to - key phrase is 'Satisfactory Quality' as stated in sale of goods act. If they cannot repair under warranty they are LEGALLY BOUND to replace or refund at YOUR discretion. Edit: To all you guys above - the 4 Furbie vRS's in my family (one no more) have all been fine in this respect - get on to your dealer. __________________ Bike with engine coming soon... Last edited by SteVRs; 01-11-2005 at 14:45.

01-11-2005, 18:14	#9
HotVRs Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 395 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply, mine sounds exactly like Mike F's. When it goes into 2nd it 'clunks'. Skoda sent me a letter saying 'The gearbox is used across the VAG group and it has no inherent problems'. This is odd because I've read a fair amount of reports of VAG 6 speeders having notchy gearchanges. It's a pain because other than that the car is great, but this ruins the driving experience. I;ve had it 13 months and it's been to 2 dealers, one said they adjusted the linkage, but it didn't feel any better, the second said it is normal and couldn't fault it... My first Furby vRS didn't do it...

01-11-2005, 18:21	#10
The The Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North East Posts: 468 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	My change from 2nd to 3rd was baulky when i first got the car but after a trip to my dealer in Middlesbrough, it is now super smooth,. So it can be adjusted. __________________ http://www.derekslackmotors.skoda.co.uk .

02-11-2005, 02:06	#13
sharkrider rider of sharks Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cumbria Posts: 3,768 Thanks: 205 Thanked 95 Times in 83 Posts	hhmmm, I've driven SO many cars, and this is one of the best gearchanges I've come accross, absolutely perfect, less 'notchy' than the new focus, better selection..... It needs fixing, if the dealer won't do it, try writing to auto express, or something, get a 'watchdog' on their tail __________________ Fiat Grande Punto Sporting (158 bhp 314 lbs/ft) in Red.... Furby vRS , black magic,passenger airbag de-activation switch, (now gone, but not forgotten!)

02-11-2005, 15:12	#14
FunkySi Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 103 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	VRS is not the slickest sproty hatchback box I have ever used, but it does the job. No notches on mine , so I guess yours has a fault. I had an intermittant 'knocking' problem on my VRS. Four times the garage said they couldn't find the fault. In the end I took the dealer for a little drive until the fault occured. Perhaps you should take you dealer for a little drive in the country? __________________ May the Funk be with you undefined Black Magic VRS with lots of toys, Red Dragon box, green filter, pd160 intake and pikey mods, dip and main beam upgrades.

02-11-2005, 18:50	#15
skinner Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: DERBYSHIRE Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My vrs also seems notchy going into second!

02-11-2005, 19:45	#16
DervPwr Briskodian Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hampshire Posts: 41 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sounds 2 me like a bit of slopy shoulder action on behalf of ur main dealer.Perhaps try a different one Sounds to me like you got a Friday afternoon gearbox Most main dealers want to deny anything and everything Last edited by DervPwr; 02-11-2005 at 19:46.

02-11-2005, 20:35	#17
MagicBoy Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Cheshire Posts: 279 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I like it - it's a good gearbox. It's a tad clunky into second when it's cold otherwise it's well behaved with a positive action. It's nicer than the box on a Golf PD115 I've driven which was more notchy and felt oversprung. I ran a Peugeot 306DT a few years back and the gearbox on that was annoying - had a long throw with a heavy clutch and it was very imprecise and notchy - felt a bit like stirring treacle that was full of bolts. The gearbox was annoying enough to spoil the car when out for a blat. Nicest box I've had was the 4 speeder on my Mk2 VW Jetta 1.3. Short throw and a positive action even with 110k on it. I could quite happily disengage 2nd/3rd/4th using a single finger without the clutch. The synchro was a bit dodgy on 3rd though as it started to make crunchy noises if you didn't double-declutch going into 3rd after 105k. __________________ '05 Diamond Silver Fabia v/RS

03-11-2005, 04:57	#18
Mil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: United Arab Emirates Posts: 3,801 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Has somethin' to do with them gates. It can be adjusted. The only problem I've had with my gearbox was reverse gear being extremely difficult to get into. Had it sorted at the dealers and now it goes in with out any problem at all. __________________ Milton Kyvernitis Private Government

03-11-2005, 10:32	#19
chowy Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: north east uk Posts: 750 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I have no problems with mine what so ever - touch wood. So it can't be normal! __________________ Present: BMW 130i M Sport 2007 \| Titanium Silver (No need to use indicators no more ) Sadly gone: Skoda Fabia vRS 2005 \| Black Magic (for pleasure) Present: Skoda Octavia Ambiente 1.9 Tdi 2005 \| Diamond Silver (for work)

03-11-2005, 11:03	#20
cheeky Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Crowborough, East Sussex Posts: 960 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm still finding first difficult to engage, even with almost 19k on the clock. I took it back the third day I had the car and was told at the dealer that they were not allowed to look at it until 5k miles. At the 10k service, I was told they weren't allowed to look at it until 15k. I'm hoping that they won't say they can't look at it until 25k at the imminent 20k service. It has got better but it still isn't as it should be. __________________ Vorsprung durch Zufriedenheit

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