Reverse gear a no no!

[FOE CVK]

Just joined the forum today!
Anyway I hav already asked this in the welcome section, but no replies.
My Mk3 wont reverse. it will go into reverse gear, but drives forwards? all other gears are fine.
I would appreciate any help.

[Scott_150]

not 100% sure mate, is the reverse in the top left of the gear stick?

This is just a wild guess really as i own a mk4 golf n nmay be totally diff.. but the reverse is top left n you have to push the gear stick down first then top left or it will just go into first gear...you may have already tried it but meh.. thought id say anyway! lol

[FOE CVK]

Hi Scott
Nice one I know what you mean
It does actually go into reverse gear as the reverse light does come on for about 2 seconds then goes out?
i have been told it might be a linkage has disconnected??

[Mr Blue]

get someone to select gears while you have a look in the engine bay.

Your looking for a loose bolt that connects the cable to the gearbox. tighten it properly if its loose. (common on mk3's)

[rubjonny]

what year/engine is it

[Dizzie]

if it's not a 16v or VR it won't be cable now will it blue :p

if your reverse light is coming on and then going out I'm guessing it's going into gear or 90% of the way in and then falling out...

[FOE CVK]

Hi all

computer playin up, would of replied sooner

Anyway its a 1998 8v. As all the other gears work fine, and smooth. I have taken it to a few places who rekon its a fault inside the gearbox!?
VW garage said its gonna cost a shed load for them to take it apart (wouldnt let them anyway) as there is no fault with the linkage, but I have called a few gearbox specialists who said its a comman fault with the older GTI's??, and its gonna cost £365 incl VAT to put right!!