need help ASAP. five speed won't go into reverse

[cruzmisl]

Hi all,
Wife is 300 miles away picking up her new 99 beetle. She said she went to leave and smelled a burning smell and now the car won't go into reverse. Any ideas what it could be? Its a five speed with 90k miles on it. Thanks for the quick replies.
Joe

[Smileybug]

Will it go into all other gears? Does the shifter feel normal?

At around 90k I lost my shift linkage...all I had was 3rd and 4th.

[cruzmisl]

It sounds like the linkage is broken from what I've read. Is that a standard issue repair? Do most dealers stock the part and if so how long is the job?

[Smileybug]

If she has a '99, is the same year as mine. On the '98s and '99s there is a plastic piece that brakes. I had my local shop replace mine. It was cheap. I had that done, an oil change, and a fuel filter change for less than $200.

I'm not sure how easy this thing is to repair yourself.

[cruzmisl]

I'm not fixing it. I just hope the dealer has the part and she can head home tomorrow (fingers crossed). Is it a normally stocked item?

[Smileybug]

Not sure. I had a local shop do mine. They had to order it. I took it to them on a Sunday and it was done on a Wednesday, but I also didn't need it back right away since I had my fiance's car to drive.

[cruzmisl]

All fixed $140. Thanks!