VW Caddy Rough Shifts: Gearbox Slipping Between 2-3

Had similar symptoms on my 2008 VW Golf GTI. The rough shifting between gears pointed to severe mechanical wear in the transfer case. Initial inspection revealed oil leakage from the transfer case seals, which led to insufficient lubrication of internal components. The transfer fluid level was critically low, causing metal-to-metal contact between gears. The mechanic found metal shavings in the gear oil during inspection, a clear sign of internal damage. The fix required complete disassembly of the transfer case. Several worn bearings and damaged gear sets needed replacement. This is considered a major repair as it affects the entire drivetrain system. Without proper repair, it can lead to complete transmission failure. Key warning signs to watch for: Grinding noise during gear changes, Delayed engagement when shifting, Oil spots under the car, Burning smell from transmission area Recommend getting a full transmission diagnostic before authorizing repairs. Request to see the old parts and transfer case oil sample to verify wear patterns. A reputable shop will show you the actual damaged components.

Thanks for sharing your Golf GTI experience. My situation sounds very similar, gear grinding and rough shifting pointing to transfer case problems. Starting to notice those exact symptoms you mentioned, especially the delayed engagement. Really worried about complete transmission failure, so I better get it checked soon. Did any other issues come up after the repair was done? Also wondering what repair costs looked like for you, so I can budget accordingly. The gear wear appears to be getting worse by the day.

Thanks for asking about the follow-up. Since getting the repair done, my transmission has been working flawlessly with no further issues. The gear wear problem was definitely caused by a defective transfer case, which the mechanic identified and fixed. The total repair cost came to 330€, covering the replacement of worn components and new transfer fluid. This included fixing several defective gears in the transfer case that were causing the grinding noise. The price was fair considering the complexity of the repair and the parts needed. The repair shop did a thorough job examining the mechanical wear patterns and replacing all affected components. After the oil change and transfer case rebuild, the shifting became smooth again, no more grinding or delayed engagement. Worth mentioning that catching this early likely prevented more extensive damage. When transfer case issues are left unchecked, repair costs can multiply quickly due to cascading gear wear throughout the transmission system.

Finally got my Caddy checked at the shop yesterday. Mechanic confirmed what you mentioned about the transfer case oil issues. Found significant oil leakage from worn seals and low fluid levels causing the gear grinding. Shop quoted 450€ for the complete job, more than your repair but still reasonable. They showed me the metal particles in the old transfer fluid and walked me through the worn components. Good thing I caught it before total transmission failure. Getting it fixed next week. They will replace the seals, damaged gear sets and do a full transfer case oil change. The detailed inspection helped avoid unnecessary work, they confirmed the main transmission is still good. Really glad I asked here first. Knowing the symptoms helped me explain the issue better to the mechanic and understand what they were talking about.