gear linkage and whining

Just bought an mk1 gti convertible, on the way home stopped at petrol garage to fill up, tried to reverse the car but it wouldn?t go in to reverse so I pulled away in first gear, stopped at next set of traffic lights and now it wouldn?t go into 1st gear, only select 3rd and 4th…just managed to limp home .

I also I noticed quite a loud whining sound from what sounded like the alternator or cambelt, its not a screeching sound more of a load hum and is still there in neutral or whilst driving.

I am pretty sure the gear selection problem is just the linkage but does anyone reckon the whining is related?

All help appreciated.

Tazzer

I am pretty sure the gear selection problem is just the linkage but does anyone reckon the whining is related?

No , fan belt under load or water pump bearing . But check the timing belt isnt rubbing on the cover .

Looks like you will need to fit a gear linkage kit to cure the gear problem . Loads of info on the site .

Or look at http://dana.ucc.nau.edu/~kaw5/howto.htm

Check your clutch cable isnt too slack first cos it may just not be letting the clutch disengage to let the gearbox slow down enough to engage lower gears.

I had your exact problem with only 3rd and 4th available, but it was just the clutch cable needing shortening, the gear linkage only really helps with a very notchy feel to the change I think, rather than actually being able to select the gear :wink:

Try it out

 :mrgreen:

Oh yeah the gearbox whine could maybe be cured by a gearbox oil change :dontknow:

It worked on my mates :wink: