What is the problem?

[Aaron-B]

So i was driving home yesterday on the A14, and decided to pull over a bit to ring my girlfriend. I go to leave again and my car just jolts violently. I'm trying to change gears but i cant. So i shut the car off and see what just happened. My gear stick just went completely limp. i can move it sideways, circles etc. Its about 11pm and i just wanna get home. so i start it up and see if i can move this thing. First thing i noticed, I've lost the gear to reverse. First gear isn't really first, really struggles, more like 3rd. long story short, finally got back on the road and the only gears that work are 3rd and 4th. Can someone tell me what exactly happened and how much i need to spend?   thanks

L reg 93 golf 1.4CL 5 speed

[Len]

Could be loads of things.
Linkage.
Selector
Synchromesh.

If its not the linkage then its a box out and repair job. Or a new/seconhand box.

[Aaron-B]

How much am i looking at for a new box?

[Len]

Doing the work yourself?

A secondhand box around £80.

If you cant fit it yourself you had best go get some quotes.

[rubjonny]

sounds to me like the pinch bolt has come loose on the end of your gear selector and the box is stuck in 3rd or you're only able to select 3rd & 4th.

Get someone top select gears while you watch from the engine bay, it will become obvious whats wrong if the linkage has come loose