5th gear with 1996 VW Polo

@mandcat24 did you ever get that fixed? I have the same problem :(

I lost 5th on my Polo and the gear had stripped completely. This is not a big problem on this model as the 5th gear sits outside the main gearbox and can be accessed by removing three screws and a cover. The actual labour cost at a garage was small (€35) but the parts were about €400. Best of luck!

I had the same problem, it either jumped out of 5th gear or it didn't go in 5th at all the problem was the linkage come away on the selector which is above the gearbox...hope this helps... troy

Hi mandy
im dave
if it only revs when you put it in 5th gear then it is not in fifth gear. it may look like it but it is not. try moving the gear selector from fourth into neutral releasing the clutch fully then applying the clutch and initiating fifth gear. if that does not work try placing it into one of the other gears first without releasing the clutch and then selecting fifth.
you should be fine driving in four gears as long as you dont travel on the audobahn or at speeds like your on the audobahn. Just watch your redline. try not to go past it. i think it is actually better for your car to drive at higher revolutions than lower as it cleans out your combustion chamber of carbon. on the other hand it is ******* your engine to drive in the red line constantly.
but 3000 rpm in 4th gear probably has you driving 130km/hr (82mph) which should be sufficient and your redline probably does not start until somewhere between 4-5k