Gearbox gone? 1.6 16v vw golf mk4 2003

[MarkL057]

Hiya. I've got the car described in the subject. Had so much trouble with this car
Driving down the road this afternoon and as I went to change up a gear I found I couldn't move the stick into position. I pulled over and found I couldn't get into any gear, I could wobble the stick about but wouldn't go towards any gear except for reverse oddly, which is under 1st. (as in push down and shift towards 1st)

Reverse works fine and can move the car. Although is a little stiff getting out of gear again.

Chances are I know this means the gear box is shot. However someone did mention to me that it's possible the gear stick itself has come out of position. Is this likely? Or possible.

Thanks, Mark

 

[StudWall]

first thing i would check is the linkage bushes

 

[Mursal]

Sounds external linkage issues, so easy fix, hopefully .........

 

[Burnerman]

A cable popped out of its ball joint, (hopefully)!
John

 

[MarkL057]

Thanks for the replies. Will let you all know when I manage to get it towed to a garage.
Such a pain as it was flipping moving house day too! And guess who was shifting boxes

Thanks again for prompt (and reassuring) replies.

Mark

 

[Paulg31]

It does sound like a gear linkage issue. A few years ago a had a Vauxhall Corsa which the gear linkage went on. There was a ball & socket connection on it which the socket got worn on allowing lots of loose play. If you can see your gear linkage give it a move by hand and see if you feel any play anywhere. It's fairly simple to replace.

 

[MarkL057]

Thanks again for all the replies.
Had a garage look it over this morning and he couldn't find anything outside the gearbox wrong with it.
So need to decide whether to bite the bullet and prepare for what could be a very slippery slope in money spending or get shot of it.
Can't afford to replace a gearbox, reconditioned, used or anything.
Thanks again!
Regards, Mark.

 

[Burnerman]

Certainly not what we wanted to hear, that one
Replacement box from a breakers is the way to go....there will be some sort of warranty with it.
John

 

[Dave54]

Might be worth having a word with a local VW specialist if there is one reasonably near. Not a main dealer, but a smaller garage who specialises in VW repairs.
Often they know exactly what the faults that occur are, and the cheapest and best fixes for them.

 

[Burnerman]

Probably a good move, Dave.
Either way, it sounds like the gearbox has to come out, unfortunately......if the cables and linkage are intact, at any rate.
John

 

[Mursal]

Not the best gearbox in the world, they have 2nd gear issues, so it wont be easy to find a good one from a breaker.
A mate couldn't get one and tried to see if a Caddy van box would do, only to get caught out on the speedo drive, being different.

You could try some of the on-line breakers if you have no luck locally, you will have at least a few days to return it, that's if the figures add up for you. Get a price to fit, locally.

Repairing your own at you say might be a money pit.

And there is oil in the box?