Can't put into gear

Hello everyone,

I have a major mechanical problem with my bug from BTLMEX. I can not
put it into gear. The gear shift is in neutral and when I press the
clutch and try to put it into any gear, I can't.

Doesn't matter if the engine is running or not. In both cases I am not
able to move the stick shift and put it into gear.

The scary thing that I realised is, when the car is running (foot on
the clutch and stick shift in neutral) and I try to release the
clutch, it feels like the car is in gear(although the stick shift is
in neutral), the clutch is about to engage and the car wants to
move!! I've never let it go more than this, because I am afraid that
it will cause even more damage.

Any idea what is going on?

Marco

>Any idea what is going on?
>
>Marco

Sounds like the gear shifter needs to be adjusted. Just loosen the two bolts
attaching the shifter to the tunnel and move it forward or back side to side
until you have the right spot. The other thing to check, and check it first, is
the coupler, which is found under the little plate in the back of the tunnel.
If the coupler is shot it can cause the same problem.
--Dan E

Marco wrote:
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> I have a major mechanical problem with my bug from BTLMEX. I can not
> put it into gear. The gear shift is in neutral and when I press the
> clutch and try to put it into any gear, I can't.
>
> Doesn't matter if the engine is running or not. In both cases I am not
> able to move the stick shift and put it into gear.
>
> The scary thing that I realised is, when the car is running (foot on
> the clutch and stick shift in neutral) and I try to release the
> clutch, it feels like the car is in gear(although the stick shift is
> in neutral), the clutch is about to engage and the car wants to
> move!! I've never let it go more than this, because I am afraid that
> it will cause even more damage.
>
> Any idea what is going on?
>
> Marco

Since the stick does not move at all, I suspect something sinister
inside the gearbox.

You could try disconnecting the rubber coupling under the back seat.
See if the shift lever moves fore and aft then.
If it *does*, I'm afraid the nosecone has to come off, at the very
least.

Speedy Jim
http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/