won't go in reverse

[weluvbugs]

I just bought a 2001 new beetle, it's an automatic, & it won't go in reverse. All the forward gears work fine. Has anyone had this problem? Anybody have any suggestions?

[jbthompson]

Could be the break light switch. It is replaceable under a recall by VW for free. Takes about 10 minutes to change.

[kewl_guy33]

mine goes into reverse with the selector BUT it does not engage the tranny or something...... its like its not catching.. if i rev it up it jumps in reverse a bit but there is definately something wrong... has anyone had a reverse problem before??

[NCGrnTurbo]

I just bought a 2001 turbo a week ago (and bought a drivetrain warranty as well) If I try to go into reverse quickly, it wont go. most of the time it takes a few seconds, but usually goes. Im curious to see why it wont go all of the time

[AutumnAsh]

I'm definatly having the same problem.. I have a '00 that runs beautifully, but when I reverse I just watch teh rpm's climb and it just sits there. It sometimes slugs along, after about three tries it finally goes into reverse. =(