Hello,
I've been having a srange problem with my shifter. When I start up my baja in the morning- foot on cluth, engine running, the shifter doesn't go into gear (I've got one of those T style handle shifters with a button for reverse). I'll force it into 1st and I'll hear a crunching noise as if the engine is engaged but my foot will be on the clutch. Soon as I swith the engine off, the shifter can shift into all gears easily. After switching the engine off and on a few times and jiggling the shifter, I can drive off and the problem won't ooccur again untill the car is stationary for a while. This all started happening when I raised my select-a-drop (my front end is now a little higher than the back)

I did some more testing, and I think the engine may be engaged when I have my foot on the clutch. When forcing the shifter in 1st (foot on clutch & foot off brake) it crunched and move the car a bit. So I'm asuming that the engine is engaing somehow. I suspect it may be the clutch pedal or cable. I don't know if the clutch itself may be the problem. Could it engage the engine?

Thanks,

Nick.

[Edited on 11-3-2003 by Jo Mama]

Sounds like a clutch problem, 1st check for the correct free play on the clutch pedal, should have an inch of movement.

If that is fine your clutch is draging and will probably need replacing.

I think that it just co-incidence about the front end thing.
Your clutch cable has probably stretched,could be just adjustment or you may need to replace cable or clutch plate.
Check under back for any signs of clutch cable fraying.You might get someone to operate clutch to locate it.
Its on side of gearbox.Passengers side.
Basically under where rear seat would be.

i have the same problem except all this time it was running sweet then yesterday first and reverse grind in but while driving its ok

BTW how much is a new clutch for a 1300 beetle:puke