Can't engage any gear

[David8831]

I started my Mk2 GTI 16V today for the first time in many months. It started straight away (good old German reliability), however, I found that I cannot engage any gears. I thought that maybe the clutch has stuck to the flywheel, but even with the engine off, I still cannot engage a gear. Can anyone please shed any light on this problem? All clues gratefully received.

Cheers, David.

[Crasher]

Does the gear lever move or is it solid?

[David8831]

Thank you for the reply Crasher.

The gear lever does move. I can push it down for reverse also, but it will not engage.

[Crasher]

Try moving the car.

[David8831]

I actually did think of that as well, however, the car is not moving, I assume it's pads stuck to the disc on one or more wheels. I'll have to get back to it on the weekend.

[Dash87]

could it be the clutch cable has snapped or disconnected or something?something to try,start the engine to let it warm up then turn it off.put it into 1st and try to start it at least that way ytou know the gears are engaging

[David8831]

It has taken a month to get to it, but finally, I have unfrozen the front discs, now the car can be rolled back and forth, still not luck. The gear lever moves side ways and back and forth, but will not engage a gear. It just doesn't seem to want to go in.

Regarding Dash87's suggestion, the clutch cable seems okay, but even if the engine is warmed up, I still cannot engage any gear let alone 1st!

Any more suggestions would be great.

[ron_dave]

I assume your car is a manual tranny... Happened to me on a high way..can shift into any gear...did you check your gear shift bushing?


HTH : http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3126584

[David8831]

Thank you Ron, that is actually on my list of things to do today. I'll get under the car and have a look at the bushes and linkages. I'll let you know how I get on.