Cannot select reverse

[jd]

Hi,

I have recently bought a '96 Mk3 GTI 16v and since yesterday, I am intermittently unable to select reverse gear.

It seems to go into reverse but the car accelerates forward ?

I have had a search on the forums but can only find a brief description of adjusting a bolt somewhere to make sure that its nice and tight.

Can anyone please either explain what I need to tighten or post a picture please?

Or if you have any other advice, it would be much appreciated.

Cheers

[DogDay]

Depends on what gearbox you have  - but this might help...

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=33100.0

DD

[jd]

Cheers for that mate but mines a mk3.

Does the mk2 16v have the same gear box?

Cheers

[DogDay]

Not sure - i know some mk3 8v GTI do - & I know for a fact that my mk3 diesel does - open your bonnet & look at where the gear change linkage is - if it matches the pics then yes.

some of the other guys will be best placed to advise.

DD

[carl]

your gearbox will be hydraulic and isnt the same as any mk2 gearboxes or mk3 8v gti boxes ,this problem could be your clutch or cables to gearbox need ajusting or gearbox needs rebuild but i would try ajusting cables first .

[jd]

Thanks for the info.

The weird thing is that everything now seems fine again. i.e. 100% fine. It engages reverse gear and actually reverses as normal everytime?

Not sure what to do about this now. Don't know whether to just leave it or get it looked at. I cant really take it anywhere and ask them to fix something that isn't broken?

[carl]

forgot to say have you checked the fluid level

[jd]

I haven't checked anything yet mate. Haven't had any time at all.

Another problem I noticed was that the steering seemed to get really heavy all of a sudden. Only happened once or twice and it feels as though the power steering is suddenly gone or  the front wheels are catching.

It is pretty low so maybe it is the wheels rubbing. I bought it recently with a brand new MOT and brand new tyres so there is no wear on the tyres yet to see whether it could be rubbing somewhere.

Has anyone had this sort of issue before?

Cheers again.

J

[irmscher]

your heavy power steering will most likely be down to your power steering belt.  Check it to see if it has too much slack, or it may just need changing.  Does it do more when it's raining for example or when it's damp??

It seems to be quite common on MK3's and an easy fix.