1st gear selects reverse..

[T6RnD]

Hey,
The van is a ex AA , 6speed manual 120k, when setting off it has been struggling to find 1st gear, it goes straight into reverse every time.. tried the pumping clutch, revs, its had a complete full service overhaul, all oils etc, no difference, but getting a lot more common now, if I put into 1st it selects reverse almost every time, it’s a blast at traffic lights with people behind any ideas before I take it to the garage..? Thanks

 

[Dellmassive]

Just some basic checks,

Not losing break fluid? The clutch Slave cylinder uses that.

It's the clutch good,,? Not slipping?

You had the gearbox oil replaced?

I believe there is some adjustment for the gear stick to gearbox link cables.


Might be worth getting them checked.

 

[lateski]

I found a video from youtube about T5.1 gear selector adjustment. Both T5 and T6 should have 0A5 6-speed transmission family, so the video should be close enough to make the adjustment.

Here is the link to youtube:

Vw Transporter 5.1 / Caravelle 6speed gear linkage Tower replacement and linkage adjustment

 

[T6RnD]

Sorted this, 25 minute job.. I had another look at it, with my glasses on..
When selecting first gear on the drive after being parked.. fine, drove 15 yards then put into reverse to get back on the driveway.. fine, then tried selecting 1st to go forward again and bang, straight into reverse, I noticed the collar to lift up to select reverse gear was sticking towards the top of the gearstick, lifted this up and down a few times and could feel a snag at the same point. So screwdriver out, removed the gear knob, noticed the white grease had solidified slightly so cleaned all this out, there was a moulding burr on the shaft, so wet sanded this down, regreased slightly, refitted and that’s it, it’s working a dream now, selecting 1st, no going into reverse, something so small and stupid as a aftermarket gear stick with a burr and the grease solidifying caused a lot of beeps at traffic lights might not help anyone but sure did for ours

 

[Dellmassive]

Nice....

And a faily easy fix.

I didn't assume a non OEM gear stick. So thats good to know.

 

[T6RnD]

Ex AA fleet van, 120k, the gear knob and gaiter were tatty, so bought and replaced it with a fairly decent one, not cheap either, don’t use the van much so took a while to notice the fault. But yeah easy fix, probably 1 in 100 issue but it’s out there now as a potential for anyone else.