Stuck in France, can't get can into gear - 2002 Model

Sleepwalker · Aug 25, 2022

Hi whilst in France our van has developed a fault in the last 24 hours. Currently waiting local mechanic to come to the camp site to take it away. Can't get the van into gear when engine is on at all. What stationary I can force it into 2nd 4th and reverse (the three lower positions on the shift). Looking for my idea/guess what it might be. There is no pressure on the clutch...or very little by comparison to days prior to breakdown. Checked fluid level and all seems fine and near max. We did have an issue couple of years ago when hydraulic fluid went low and similar symptoms but a top up of fluid sorted that when the Rac man turned up then. This seems much more severe of an issue. Topping up same fluids has not helped.

Thanks Paul

pluc99 · Aug 25, 2022

I have no useful suggestions for you I'm afraid. I hope you can get it sorted without it ruining what I presume is your holiday.
I came across this old thread to give you some additional input: https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/t4-clutch-replacement-rip-off.42206/

sidepod · Aug 25, 2022

A very simple and common problem. It's the round bushes on the gearbox end of the shift mechanism. Look down to the side of the battery box, on top of the gearbox and you'll see the bush has probably popped out. They wear and pop out.
I'm not sure what, if anything you can do without replacing them.
I've done it but it's a bit of a faf.

syncrostan · Aug 25, 2022

What Sidepod said, bit of a faff if a 2.5tdi with air on, ask me how I know. Will need to go on a ramp

sidepod · Aug 25, 2022

Coincidentally, I’m doing mine next week as a preemptive prior to a big Eurotrip. It’s just getting a tiny bit snaggy on the bottom cog.

sidepod · Aug 26, 2022

Guess we're not getting an update on this then? Brilliant.

WelshGas · Aug 26, 2022

sidepod said:
Guess we're not getting an update on this then? Brilliant.

It has been taken to a local garage, so I presume the OP is waiting for them to report back.

BrugseB · Aug 26, 2022

Bush and little ball cost some 5 euro... but putting them into place can take some time, depending on experience of garage (30 min to 4hrs); piece of wood to force it in helps, as does putting plastic ball in boiling water first. You might also try to fix the joint with tie straps, might be enough to bring you home!