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Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:25 am

Abruptly quit going into gear for me (grinds) Solenoid on control valve reads 12v on BOTH connections, anytime the key is on. Assuming this is not right...what is my likely problem? Thanks in advance 8)

Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:56 am

I'm an autostick rookie myself, but from what I understand, the system is in fact powered by the engine's vacuum, and not by electic output from the battery. If you've got a vacuum leak, your clutch wont engage fully. Check and make sure all vacuum lines/hoses are in place, intact, and hooked up properly.

Fri Nov 13, 2009 11:44 am

Hiya Dave,

wiseguydave wrote: Abruptly quit going into gear for me (grinds) Solenoid on control valve reads 12v on BOTH connections, anytime the key is on. Assuming this is not right...what is my likely problem? Thanks in advance 8)

Getting a positive reading on both control valve solenoid terminals with the key on is the normal situation. By the way, expect those readings to be just less than 12 volts if the engine is not running at the time of the test.

So, toss that assumption.

Grinding when attempting to shift can be traced back to a number of situations, both electrical and vacuum related. That this situation happened "abruptly" would say electrical to me. Since you do have hot going into the CV solenoid and hot going out (this is normal, the CV solenoid is always hot looking for a ground) I'd be inclined to check the lead going back to the gearshift lever. Specifically I'd be making sure that the contact points inside the shift lever are clean, shiny, and properly gapped.

Both of you, Dave and 4Doora, need to get yourself on over to VWAR for more comprehensive AutoStick information.

Best of luck!

Fri Nov 13, 2009 12:21 pm

Bookwus wrote: Hiya Dave,

wiseguydave wrote: Abruptly quit going into gear for me (grinds) Solenoid on control valve reads 12v on BOTH connections, anytime the key is on. Assuming this is not right...what is my likely problem? Thanks in advance 8)

Getting a positive reading on both control valve solenoid terminals with the key on is the normal situation. By the way, expect those readings to be just less than 12 volts if the engine is not running at the time of the test.

So, toss that assumption.

Grinding when attempting to shift can be traced back to a number of situations, both electrical and vacuum related. That this situation happened "abruptly" would say electrical to me. Since you do have hot going into the CV solenoid and hot going out (this is normal, the CV solenoid is always hot looking for a ground) I'd be inclined to check the lead going back to the gearshift lever. Specifically I'd be making sure that the contact points inside the shift lever are clean, shiny, and properly gapped.

Both of you, Dave and 4Doora, need to get yourself on over to VWAR for more comprehensive AutoStick information.

Best of luck!

Thanks man! Gives me some good info to go on!

Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:30 pm

Thanks, all. The wire that goes to the shifter was broken right near the shifter itself. Simple fix... :D

Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:39 am

You gotta love it when the fix is simple. Congrats.

Mon Nov 23, 2009 11:30 pm

check the fuse that connects to the coil next time first, I blow that fuse offten on my autostick and when it happens it wont shift.

Tue Nov 24, 2009 12:10 am

Hiya Grimm,

Why are you blowing the in-line fuse? You need to check that out. That in-line fuse should be in operating condition for practically forever. Sounds to me like you are shorting out somewhere.

Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:46 pm

It happened alot when I would work on it. the Contacts in shifter were corroded and would cause it to blow. since I cleaned it up it doesn't do it anymore. I've had it for 10yrs, I've fixed just about every problem you can get with autostick I think. I've got it to where it tops out at 95mph and on average I get 33mpg. I love my Autostick, It's high maintenance but I still love It. I just don't understand why anyone would get rid of AS setup and put in Standard setup. This is My Third Aircooled VW, I've also owned 5 MK2 Golfs