Gearbox - can't always select reverse!

[PuG]

Hi, ive got a late 2005 VW Polo 1.4 TDI.

I was up in London this weekend when I couldn't select reverse gear, the gear stick became really stiff when pushing it down and to the left, and if I forced it, it would only go into first.. Rocked around for a minute or so on the spot and it started working fine! thought nothing more of it at the time - but yesterday I had the same problem accept this time it last a good few hours until driving it back from the garage today, again it seemed to self correct!

No problems with any other gears. No unusual sounds at all. Clutch is fine. Makes no difference if you turn the engine off. As I mentioned, the handle goes stiff when trying to select reverse, and if you force it in, only selects first. The guy at garage took alook at the selectors on the top of the box and he seemed to think it was fine, and could only suggest taking the gearbox out, either opening up or just replace with a second hand.

Can't really afford that, tempted to have ago myself, but any other suggestions, or places to look first?

Thanks

[a8 tech]

the reverse switch ball sticks on the selector shaft, try replacing the switch

[PuG]

thanks for the quick reply - where abouts would I find that? or is it a haynes manual job

[a8 tech]

Attachment 15239depends which box as the reverse switch tends to be mounted on the selector housing for this fault so you may need to check the pr codes to find out which box you have

see the picture number 6 is the switch

[PuG]

Hi, thanks for the picture - I took alook today and had felt around the selector, and it appears correct to the picture. My gearbox/engine code is BNV GGV, followed by LA5R WV. So I will try changing the switch this week. Im guessing it goes stiff because the selector isn't depressing the full distance, and then alittle flex in the cable is allowing me to force it in, but going into first instead. Thanks

[a8 tech]

Well done that's correct


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