1998 trouble shifting into first and reverse

[dannull]

I have a 1998 gas Beetle and I have been having trouble shifting into first gear and reverse. I have to push the shifter down to get into first and I have to push it further down to get into reverse. Its at the point now where I can barely get it into reverse because the shifter has to be pushed down so far. And more recently I have also been having trouble getting into second gear. All other gears are fine.

[Smileybug]

Check your shift linkage. It could need adjusting or the plastic piece in the linkage is failing. Mine started to be hard to get into gears before that piece failed and I was left with only 3rd and 4th gear. The '98s and '99s were the only NBs that had this plastic component and they have a weird MkIII/MkIV combined linkage setup. Its crazy.

[dannull]

Is this the part that you are referring to (part#:1J0711256)?

[Smileybug]

I'm not actually entirely certain of the part number or what it looks like. I took it to my local shop. I looked enough in the bay to know that there was a broken piece and it was plastic I do know that it was a $70 part though. And as far as I know, there is no metal replacement.

[DZLBUG]

Take a look at the linkages but I'm thinking this may be in the shifter box in the car. They are prone to issues as well.

[dannull]

I replaced the Shift Carrier (part#:1J0711256) but that ended up not being the problem. It turns out the cable needed to be adjusted. There is still a problem though; I am having a hard time adjusting it. If I adjust to far one way I cant shift into first, if I ajust to far the other way I cant shift into fifth. I cant seem to get it into a position were I can shift into both easily. Ive been told that the bushing might need to be replaced but I can not find replacement bushing for the 1998 model. Does anyone know of a solution for this?

[sperlingjr]

I'm having problems rigging the cables correctly as well. Cant seem to find the sweet spot where it goes into all the gears correctly. How did you fix your problems? Any advice on the rigging/adjustments? gotta get my sons car back on the road!

[IndyTom]

Here are some links that might help:

Volkswagen Group Shift Linkage Adjustment for year models 2000-2010 - YouTube

How to adjust your Volkswagen manual transmission shifter cables
(Move down to the MKIV section)

[sperlingjr]

My beetle is a 1998 whick is a little different that the youtube tranny.

[D2Beetle]

This Post might be helpful ...

[tnfalmilyfarm]

Hi all. I just oicted up a 1999little NB that had "a transmission bad" they said due to poor adjustment on the cable they lost 1st and reverse. I attempted to drive her approx twenty miles home so i could get to eorking on her. During the drive i lost all but 5th gear and then lost that! When i move the gear shifter now i can move it freely im a complete ten inch circle without catching any of the usual "H" in shifting gears. I want to get her on the road without having to sink a fortune in her. I have good mechanical background and am able to replace what you suggest, but cant affort a new transmission. Please help

[Smileybug]

Check your shift linkage and make sure everything is connected. When my hubby had his '95 Passat, the same thing happened. He was stuck in 2nd gear but could move the shifter around in a circle. He lost both bolts for the shift linkage.

[tnfalmilyfarm]

Okay i changed the shift lever carraige without any change. all the cables are attached.

To restate what what it was doing when the problem occured: it had already lost 1st and reverse weeks maybe months before so I had it parked at a friends. when making the short drive home I lost all the gears except for 5th then I lost 5th gear. the only thing that stands out is the play in the gear shifter. i can rotate it nearly in a complete circle like i can find the seating for the gears(you know ththe standard "H" pattaern plus 5th and reverse).
would the pressure plate and throwout bearing case this?
I've had a clutch go out in other vehicles but the petal just gradually rides to the top until the cluch is gone, which has nothing to do with the gear shifter or the outline of the gear pattern.

[D2Beetle]

I would recommend that you take the "shift stick" out and check the Gear Lever Assembly, as the "H" is because of its mounting, not the cabling or transmission.