VW jetta reverse gear not engaging.

its possible your shifter just needs repair. But it could just be low fluid.

I don't have an answer but did u ever get it fixed I'm having trouble with mine

I would suggest fixing the shifter back to where it sits properly as there is sensors in the shifters especially if its a automatic. If its a Manuel i would check the linkage and have the fluid checked. Despite what the dealer tells you no fluid will last forever as much as they wish this its simply not true. Every 150,000 km you should change the trany filter and fluids and this is often a good time to see how much metal has been shaved off the gears. its normal to have a bit of shavings in the pan its regular ware and tear but eventually the gears slip or get stuck or simply miss due to it. I am not saying this is your problem but its a possibility. I would see whats causing the looseness in the shifter first and then move on to fluid change and then have some place like Mr Transmission take a look at it as they offer free diagnoses of your issue. If they say you need a new trany insist on your orignal one being rebuilt as its always the better option and its 100% better to keep original parts as they were made and fitted for that particular engine and it gives you the knowledge of knowing you practically have a brand new trany under you then a it might work used trany. A trany flush and filter is roughly 150-300$ depending where you take it. and be sure to ask to see how much shavings were in the pan. more then a tea cups worth is not normal.in a high mileage car.

Push the shifter down (towards the floor) then shift into reverse.

Any suggestions for troubleshoot the shift lock light not coming on? Car won't engage into revers and the revers lights won't come on..... it's a 01 Jetta 2.0

So what was the fix? I'm having the same problem on my 2000 beetle 2.0L.

1.8t automatic golf4 2003 model it does not wana go forward but reverse it does and we changed the oil cleaned sensors but still the problem is not solved what could be the problem

I would check the shifter linkage. I am not exactly sure on the 2003's, as I have yet to look it up, but on the older VDub's the manual transmission models have a linkage system that is made up of many metal rods with plastic end connections which simply snap onto metal balls as their anchor points. They wear over time and like to pop off, which in return will cancel out the gear which it serves, leaving you with out that gear selection. Most of the time you can just pop it back on and use a couple handy dandy Andy Zip Ties to secure it until you make it to your desired destination and/or parts store to get a new one. The securing clip fails or most likely wasn't put on properly!

Had a similar problem on my 2000 vw Jetta TDI, manual transmission. Not sure if it's the same for everyone. First had the problem after coming off the interstate after several hours. Light turned green, noticed my shifter just slipped into first, then stalled out. Could shift into reverse, but it would move forward as if in 3rd gear er something. Managed to get it home. While checking my pil just because, I just happened to noticed a particular ball and socket joint that was unattached just beneath my battery. Simply popped it back on with my fingers and BAM! First gear and reverse works as normal. Not at all saying this is a permanent fix, but it did exactly narrow down my problem to this one join just below the battery. Might be a good place to check.

Wrap black tape around shift knuckle