Golf 4 auto gearbox fault

[Dino D]

Have a MK 4 Golf 1.6 auto that has 70k miles and full timeous service history.

It has developed a fault when engaging reverse- when moving from P or N to reverse it will not always engage reverse straight away. The reverse lights come on but it requires wiggling between N and R before engaging or if left in R can take minutes to engage. Seems better when warm but not 100% sure of that.

Wondering if this sounds like a costly problem or something simple like a switch in the shifter. Not wanting to spend lots investigating as it is a low value car now...

[philmots]

A gearbox oil change may improve things.. If not you're probably looking at replacement/rebuild.

I'd imagine eBay will have them fairly cheaply.

[Dino D]

Thanks for the tip re oil change. Will give it a go but any idea as to why fresh oil would help?

[The Nur]

My mum had a mk3 auto that gave up after about 70-80k

Killed the car. Only happened beginning of last year, we had had that car from new.

[Dino D]

The Nur said:

My mum had a mk3 auto that gave up after about 70-80k

Killed the car. Only happened beginning of last year, we had had that car from new.

Did you try any repairs on it?

Rather disappointing given the reputation they seem to have.