Cannot get into first gear?
Asked by Lblossom Dec 15, 2023 at 11:45 AM about the 1971 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
While moving the car to get it covered and ready for winter I could not get it in
first gear. This includes when it is on and not running. If this is an adjustment
can I expect the cost to be minor?
4 Answers
Did you check the rubber parts of the linkage? Like in your previous post if the linkage components are good then the problem is in the transmission and if it is it will need an overhaul or a replacement transmission. No the cost won’t be minor if you go with a full rebuild, even a used warrantied transmission will be somewhat expensive.
The entire front end was redone in late 2020. I spoke with the mechanic who did the work and he was perplexed about first gear. It probably has no more than 10K miles on it since that work. Since I am not a mechanic I don’t know even where to look for the linkage or rubber. The seller, (ebay seller) surely knew this problem but did not disclose it. Also did not disclose that the car did not have an emergency brake since the car was changed to rear rotor brakes with calipers that would not accept the e-brake kit.
Then I suggest you find an old VW shop and have them redo the brakes, check the shift linkage and if need be fix the transmission. It obviously been hacked up by someone that possibly did not know what they were doing. Brakes are crucial to your live as well as others on the road.
