Can't get into reverse

[GhiaChick]

Hi all,

Newbie, here.  Your site comes recommended, so I have high hopes for getting some advice on a problem.  I have a '69 KG vert w/ autostick.  It has become harder and harder to get it into reverse - and now it won't go at all.  Seems like a common issue as it is posted here in several places.

Here's the details:

- Yes, I am depressing the shifter - ha ha
- It goes in more often after it has been parked for awhile, but still is almost impossible
- Most of the time, it doesn't budge at all, as if there were no "slot" for reverse gear
- It doesn't grind - just doesn't move
- Sometimes it will pop into what seems to be the slot, but it doesn't engage
- I also have trouble getting it into forward gears from a stop - if I don't put it into 1st before coming to a stop, it is hard to get it in - most often have to start moving in 2nd (goes in easier)
- I can hear it trying to engage when I move the shifter (rev noise) but it doesn't grab.  After a few tries it will grab the forward gears, but reverse is seemingly not there

I have had to back out of spaces by pushing it - embarrasing to say the least.  Need to bring it to a mechanic (not into fixing things of this level on my own) but want to be educated in what I tell him to check.  Would like some recommendations of things to check, i.e. firsat check plate, then vacuum ...

Thanks in advance!
Ghiachick that would like to enjoy her baby again!!

[SpyCarHippie]

Hi Chick,

I think I'm the guy who recommended this site over on the Samba. Glad you found your way.

Sounds like you've tried the search feature but if you dig a little deeper there you might find a possible solution before the Gurus here can reply. There is an older forum here too that I think can be searched.

Just a heads up. These guys will recommend that you not take your car to a mechanic for autostick issues. They will urge you to fix it yourself. The reason is that many excellent VW mechanics don't understand autosticks. I fixed a pretty major problem with mine just by following the instructions I found here and I'm no mechanic.

Good luck. I'm sure you'll be driving backward at will in no time.

SpyCarHippie

[GhiaChick]

Hey Hip,

Yes, you did reply to my post at Samba.  Thanks for the recommendation.  This site is great, especially since there a are so few people that know anything about these.  Myself, I have driven tradition old bugs, but never an autostick.  New territory - and this site makes me feel a little less lost in the wilderness of this new territory. 

I just may end up becoming an amateur mechanic yet.  The guy I got the car from seemed to have endless knowledge of the parts and workings and told me that soon I would aquire it too.  Now I know why - ha ha.  Ain't a mechanic in the valley that doesn't get a little glazed look when I tell them it is an autostick.

I'm sure I'll see you around the posts :-) 

Thanks again.

[Bookwus]

Hiya Ghia,

I got your answer out to you via e-mail.  Hope that is of some help to you.

Post up some pictures and let us take a look at your ride.

Hah!  Spy was right about the mechanic thing, wasn't he?  Guess I'm getting predictable.

[SpyCarHippie]

Update?

[68autobug]

best to find out all you can about these cars..

as Most maybe all the mechanics you will see

won't have a clue as to how these cars work...

quote from the late Gene Berg " the Best person to fix your VW is you"

it may be a simple thing like the lock out plate under the gearshifter lever..
the plate may be bent or worn..
or even in the wrong spot...
as thats all it takes.... lol

or Your control valve isn't working correctly
or the clutch servo....
if the clutch won't disengage then you cannot select gears...

Just take it slowly bit by bit...

remember these cars are all over 40 years old now...

but not much really goes wrong... normally...
all the hoses need replacing if original...

cheers

LEE

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug

[GhiaChick]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the info.  This site is great, and will undoubtably be invauluable as I learn more about my baby.  

As mentioned, it goes into gear easier when it has been sitting - went out the other morning and it popped right in - which is no doubt what will happen if I try to show a mechanic the problem - ha ha

I may be venturing under the shifter and carpet before long if no mechanic seems worthy to touch her - so wish me luck!

Christine aka GhiaChick

[68autobug]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the info.  This site is great, and will undoubtably be invauluable as I learn more about my baby.  

As mentioned, it goes into gear easier when it has been sitting - went out the other morning and it popped right in - which is no doubt what will happen if I try to show a mechanic the problem - ha ha

I may be venturing under the shifter and carpet before long if no mechanic seems worthy to touch her - so wish me luck!

Christine aka GhiaChick

Hi Christine,
Well, My Wife has always been able to select reverse in My beetle without Crunching... lol
I have been crunching for two years..
I adjusted the clutch servo...
then the gear shifter inside the rubber boot...

Now i can change any gears with out crunching ever...

From Low to Drive 1 always used to crunch too...

cheers

LEE



ps: You don't need to disassembly the gearshifter to adjust it.. just loosen the nut and tighten slightly..  LEE

[greenghia]

Hello,  I am not sure what Bookwus sent you but a good place to start would be to remove the oval inspection plate that is under the rear seat and make sure the bushing there looks good and there is no slop in it. It should move in very close relation to moving the shifter. Left and right would be the first directions to check. Let us know what you find.  Good to hear you are driving the car.