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?
7 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.
Old Bugs can be fun to drive, but as with all old cars, they deteriorate and require a lot of maintenance. You say, while moving the car, so I don't think brakes are an issue here. The trans is a 4-speed manual and if it resists going into first gear, it's could be for several reasons. Maybe the shift linkage or the clutch is out of adjustment. Maybe the fluid is so thick and old, it won't allow gear movement. Maybe the trans is just defective. From here, I can't tell, so take the car to a mechanic who does this type of work. I recommend you go to a local VW or Bug owners club for resources & advice. You'll get a lot if guidance and recommendations from people who've dealt with cars like yours for a long time.
No post in 24 hours ---------- Old Bugs can be fun to drive, but as with all old cars, they deteriorate and require a lot of maintenance. You say, while moving the car, so I don't think brakes are an issue here. The trans is a 4-speed manual and if it resists going into first gear, it's could be for several reasons. Maybe the shift linkage or the clutch is out of adjustment. Maybe the fluid is so thick and old, it won't allow gear movement. Maybe the trans is just defective. From here, I can't tell, so take the car to a mechanic who does this type of work. I recommend you go to a local VW or Bug owners club for resources & advice. You'll get a lot if guidance and recommendations from people who've dealt with cars like yours for a long time.
No post in 48 hours ---------- Old Bugs can be fun to drive, but as with all old cars, they deteriorate and require a lot of maintenance. You say, while moving the car, so I don't think brakes are an issue here. The trans is a 4-speed manual and if it resists going into first gear, it's could be for several reasons. Maybe the shift linkage or the clutch is out of adjustment. Maybe the fluid is so thick and old, it won't allow gear movement. Maybe the trans is just defective. From here, I can't tell, so take the car to a mechanic who does this type of work. I recommend you go to a local VW or Bug owners club for resources & advice. You'll get a lot if guidance and recommendations from people who've dealt with cars like yours for a long time.
