only 2 gears

hi all hoping for knowledge - new to golfs and daughter just got back from new mot and lost gears - car is 1.8 cab - box code is aug18011/3. The problem - drove fine, no whine all gears ok, stopped with engine running then only 3rd gear available - got going then got 2nd and 4th lost all others. There was no crunching but they were hard to engage. Disconnected linkage at gearbox actuation lever and can only get 2 and 4 - there is free movement for reverse but won't engage and it appears that one direction of travel in the gearbox is baulked. Oil level is good. Not sure where to start any ideas welcome. thx

sounds like linkage problem can you engage any with the selector disconnected by hand ?

hi thanks but as said linkage disconnected and no further forward

had to double take your machine looks virtually the same as this one ..

so before i drop the box, thinking of taking the green capped casing off whilst on car as this seems to give access to the end of the selector rod? and its that direction that selector fails to move ie towards nearside.  Anyone know if springs and other things are going to fly off if that cover is removed. Thanks

For reference - Your (AUG) box code suggests it was made 18th Jan. 1991…

Ask the garage that did the MOT to give any details of work done / items tested. May be coincidence this happened after it was examined, then again may not be and could help point you in the right direction of what is amiss.

This site is a wealth of knowledge -

Stuck in 3rd gear

There's specifically a page in relation to the loss of 3rd gear but as with anything sort out the smallest potential fixes first and then work up to the biggest.

Take the time to read his other pages, the 020 box does have some recognised weaknesses and he covers them all.

if you have "Disconnected linkage at gearbox actuation lever" how will it work?

Most missing gear problems are linkage problems, somethings moved or one of the plastic bushes has dropped out, theres a circlip at the gearstick end that can come adrift

another possibility is clutch needs adjusting, is there a difference with and without the engine running?

I'd double check the linkage and adjustment before removing the box.

thanks for help, had already found 3rd gear site and gears can be selected without external links. taking it to a rebuilder who also thought it strange so see what he thinks cheers

Are your motor mounts good?  Bad mounts can cause the shift linkages to bind.