Broken shifter

[JBB61]

I have a 2000 Beetle 5 speed that has a broken shifter. The shift lever went limp and just flops around without engaging anything. Is the shifter repairable or sold as a unit with the cables attached? Is this a user serviceable repair? Parts and any online instructions seem to be scarce. Any help would be much appreciated.

[IndyTom]

You will have to take the shifter boot off and take a look what actually broke. Very unlikely that you broke the actual shifter rod but rather some of the linkage. Also take the air box off and take a look on top of the transmission to see how the shift cable's and linkage looks. Perhaps you just broke one of the plastic end pieces.

[JBB61]

The cables are still attached to the transmission linkage and are not broken. I removed the boot, etc., and the shifter has become disconnected from the cable end in the box, that is the lower end of the shifter rod itself. The box is behind the exhaust pipe and a heat shield underneath, so I don't see how to remove the box. I also don't see how to repair the linkage without disassembling the shift box. Looks like a lot of money if I have to have it repaired.

[akasha1963]

Friend of mine fixed his Chevette's floppy gear shifter with a cotter pin. The linkage broke & just needed to be reconnected. Hopefully it will be as simple for the Beetle.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by JBB61

The cables are still attached to the transmission linkage and are not broken. I removed the boot, etc., and the shifter has become disconnected from the cable end in the box, that is the lower end of the shifter rod itself. The box is behind the exhaust pipe and a heat shield underneath, so I don't see how to remove the box. I also don't see how to repair the linkage without disassembling the shift box. Looks like a lot of money if I have to have it repaired.

So you checked on top of the transmission and the shift linkage itself is okay? And you say the actual problem is with the shifter where it connects to the shifter box? Never had anything pop out of place down there. You can replace the entire shifter with another OEM unit or a Short Shifter. You will need to disconnect the exhaust to get access from underneath but it can be done fairly easily. Perhaps it just needs a pin or whatever broke to disengage the shifter rod.
It really shouldn't be too expensive to fix.

Where do you live?

[JBB61]

I live in SW Florida. I'm trying to find some repair instructions or some sort of exploded parts diagram to see what may have broken. Lots of people have the short shifters for sale but the bottom end doesn't look the same as the original.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by JBB61

I live in SW Florida. I'm trying to find some repair instructions or some sort of exploded parts diagram to see what may have broken. Lots of people have the short shifters for sale but the bottom end doesn't look the same as the original.

I will see if I can dig through my Bentley manual and perhaps scan a page. I only have the paper version and it is a very Thick book and doesn't scan well but I will see what I can do tomorrow.