VW problem shifting into reverse

1986 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
200 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD
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PROFESSORIE
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I have a 1986 Jetta 5 spd. diesel with close to 200,000 miles. I can't get the car into reverse. All other gears are fine. I push down hard, to the left and forward, and it goes in first every time. I haven't driven the car in several years. Are there linkages that need to be greased? Nylon balls to be replaced?
Thanks
Dec 22, 2010 at 1:46 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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does it go into reverse with the engine off? As far as the linkage, it should be lubericated.

Let me know.
Dec 28, 2010 at 3:23 AM
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PROFESSORIE
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Thanks, Jacobandnickolas. No, I don't think it goes into reverse with the engine off or on. But I'll try again, just to make sure. I'll try the lubrication of the linkage. My shop manual doesn't specify how to lubricate the linkage. Grease? Should I start with PB Blaster to loosen things up first?
--Professorie
Dec 28, 2010 at 5:40 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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You could use any penetrating oil like WD40... I'm concerned if the trans won't shift into reverse with the engine off. If it worked before it was parked, it should deal with the linkage. However, a shifter fork in the trans may have frozen from sitting.
Dec 28, 2010 at 11:20 PM
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PROFESSORIE
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I'll give the WD40 a try and hope I can get it to work. Hopefully it's not the shifter fork, but thanks for the tip.

--professorie
Dec 29, 2010 at 1:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Let me know what you find.
Dec 29, 2010 at 6:02 PM