Unable to select gears- Mk1

[pawjag2813]

Hi was driving today moved away from kerb in 1st turned left and the gear stick wouldnt select any other gears the gear stick is now just rolling about whatever position it is in its like its 1st even in reverse position it goes forward rac said cables are ok. Help

[insanitybeard]

Which engine do you have? I'm fairly sure the VXT75 5 speed manual 'box used in the Mk1 was prone to shearing a bolt in the selector mechanism in the top of the gearbox which could be responsible for your problem, there have been a few threads on it- this post shows the offending bolt, if you search 'selector bolt' in the site search a few threads come up, not saying this is definitely your problem but it's got a chance. Can you select any gears or is it stuck in one gear?

[pawjag2813]

Hi 1.9 tdi. The gearstick moves freely as though it is going in gear the car will only move forward though no faster than 10mph as though it is stuck in 1st. Forward even when stick in reverse position

[insanitybeard]

In that case I'd be suspecting the gearbox selector mechanism as I've suggested above. If the selector cables are moving when you move the gear lever then that discounts the cables or gear lever mechanism as being at fault, it's likely a problem at the gearbox end.

[pawjag2813]

Is it a biggy.

[insanitybeard]

If it is the selector turret / bolt at fault, it depends on whether you can fish the broken bolt out of the bottom of the gearbox with a magnet! If you can it ain't so bad, if not, yep, it's a biggie.

[pawjag2813]

Ok fingers crossed. if it is the gearbox could that just go like that or would I have some indication

[insanitybeard]

Another thread on it here. If the bolt does shear or drop out it's likely to happen without much warning, unless the mechanism was starting to seize up due to corrosion/ dirt ingress to the top of the shaft on the selector turret causing stiff gearchanges.

[pawjag2813]

Ok so its unlikely that tbhe gearbox is knackered it was fine beforehand

[insanitybeard]

Nope, the gearbox should be ok AS LONG AS you can get the busted bolt remains out first..... if you just leave it in there there's every chance it'll get jammed in the gearbox internals which will terminally knacker it.

Of course, this is all assuming the broken selector bolt is the cause of your fault!

[pawjag2813]

Ok hopfully will be that wife said it just sounded like somthing had gone on it.

[pawjag]

 Back on the road problem was as you said day or so in garage 100 quid. Happy days. Cheers

[insanitybeard]