Help: Clutch not working in forward gears, only in reverse

[efunc]

Hi all, I'm looking for a quick diagnosis as I was stranded tonight and had to get Kartec to tow me home. My clutch went at the lights. I can get in all the gears fine, but it's not biting. The only gear that I can only move in is reverse. I haven't actually tried 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 though - only 1 and reverse.
 
The car is a 1.9 GT TDI (PD115) and it's unmapped. I've been happily driving on the original clutch and gearbox for 130,000 miles, and would be happy with standard replacement. But what does it sound like has actually failed?

[mcgee9t2]

IMO I think it may be gear box, if it was clutch surely it wouldnt work in reverse aswell as forward?

could be first gears gone. ide try second see if it bites, if so you have your problem.

[efunc]

Thanks. What I found is that 3, 4, 5, 6 and reverse work, but just no 1st and 2nd. I just put it into 5th just now and raised the clutch, took off the handbrake and seemed to roll off under power (down a slight slope). So it's not slipping. Or should it have stalled? What do you think?

[mcgee9t2]

Thanks. What I found is that 3, 4, 5, 6 and reverse work, but just no 1st and 2nd. I just put it into 5th just now and raised the clutch, took off the handbrake and seemed to roll off under power (down a slight slope). So it's not slipping. Or should it have stalled? What do you think?

no mechanic but by the sounds of it to me 1st and 2nd has gone. not sure what the arrangement in the box is, 1 gear could have gone then debris from this taken out the other gear?

[topher]

check simple stuff first, are the selector cables still attached?

[Turbo_T]

when u put it in 5th did u just take foot of clutch or did u try pulling off like normal in 1st ?

[efunc]

when u put it in 5th did u just take foot of clutch or did u try pulling off like normal in 1st ?

I got it at biting point, then eased off the clutch gently whilst releasing the handbrake. Seemed to start edging forward, but then it was pointing down a slope. Why?

[efunc]

check simple stuff first, are the selector cables still attached?

Thanks, that's a useful tip. I'm not in a great place to check this now because it's dumped in the street. If I jack it up will it be obvious to an idiot like me?

[efunc]

Well, all the cables and everything are fine. It's almost definitely the selector fork, so it'll be a gearbox out and refurb job

Anyone know what I should be looking at in terms of cost? and any recommended companies around London?

[mar_k]

Where abouts in London are you?