My 2.0l twincab is sometimes reluctant to go into gear, which can be pretty embarrassing. It happened yesterday at some lights on the Highway near Hornsby. Just won't go into 1st or 2nd. Eventually it went into third and would then go into 1st. Doesn't do it all the time: just occasionally. Any ideas ?

Either a loose or bad adjustment on the plate under the gear stick or the rear gear box coupler needs replacing.

Either that or a stuffed box.

99% says one of the other 2 though.

Check the base plate on the gear stick. If that is ok change the coupler and go from there.

I had the same problem with my Bay about 6 years ago. The mechanic said it was a bush and I think it the one just in front of the gear box. Any way the mechanic (Andrew Dodd at North Rocks) fixed pretty quick and fairly cheaply. I dont recomend leaving it for too long as mine eventually jammed in gear. You should of seen the smoke coming out of my father in laws ear when that happened as he was borrowing the car and it got even funnier when I got in the car and it released straight away.
Cheers Nicko

Further to the above comments, also check Clutch adjustment and look for broken gear box mounts.
All of the above comments are common causes for poor shifting in VW's in general.
Failing this, the selectors in the GB are stuffed.
:thumb

you can change the front bush if it is still there, the rear connector and put a quickshift in for under $50 and it should rock your socks off. Made a HUGE difference to my shifting.

kkk

Thanks for all that. I know about the front bush 'cause I've changed the one on my other Kommer before- I think it's nylon.
But what is the "rear connector" and what is a "quickshift". Can you get those bits from the usual VW outlets ?

Generally on the t4 transporter there are two nylon balls and a bush in a retaining bracket...these wear out..cheap to replace!, ring your local vw dealer...in sydney its city autos on 133309, get them to fax you a picture... should all make sence!:thumb

This is extremely common problem. There are a few common bushes that you may need. I will post a breakdown picture tonight for you.

Thanks again. Breakdown pictures would be good. I can usually follow them.
Nitram

Hey Decked ! I just noticed you're in the Blue Mountains. I live up Springwood way myself.

Rear coupler

http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewproductdetail.php?keyword2=CFS0001&c...

Quick shift kit

http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewproductdetail.php?keyword2=CFS0002&c...

Arrh, it's not working here at work, i will post the pic tonight.

The gear shift on the later transporters are totally different than bay's etc.

Hey Nitram, yeah i live in Mt Riverview.

Here tis vvv

Number's 41, 42 & 45 are the most common culprits.

Are we talking a Year 2000 or a 2.0l Kombi here?

Judging from earlier posts, nitram has a 2.0l.

Confused,

I read the heading and took it as a 2000 model with a 4cyl 2L in it. You may be right though????

2.0l, twin cab, air-cooled flat four, circa 1975. That sort of thing.

Inside the selector housing is a little plastic rotating ball. Takes ages to do by the time you drop the engine, unbolt CV's etc but the smallest bit of wear here makes things very horrible.