2000 Volkswagen Passat Manual transmission stuck in 1st gea

2000 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
127,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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YOULIVEINALION
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Recently, I started my car up, having used it the night before, and found that I could not shift out of 1st gear. The clutch engaged properly and I was able to drive, but I physically could not move the shifter out of the 1st gear position. I left it engaged in first gear with the e-brake on on a slight incline. Previously, I have noticed minor problems such as brief difficulty switching into certain gears (only 5 and reverse i believe). Additionally, this problem occurred once before when the car became stuck in neutral for about 10 seconds.

Thank you for any help you can provide.

-Alex
Nov 17, 2008 at 1:00 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there, The gear box uses a remote type selector, that is the gear stick selects the gears via a set of control rods, the fault may well be in the selector box, your mechanic will have to inspect this for you. Mark (mhpautos)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/61395_Graphic_35.jpg

Nov 17, 2008 at 5:30 AM
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YOULIVEINALION
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Thanks for your prompt reply Mark.

I hope it is just dirty or something.
Nov 17, 2008 at 11:37 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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If they don't find a problem in the selector box, let me know and i will check out the transmission side of things and advise as best i can.

mark (mhpautos)
Nov 17, 2008 at 3:29 PM
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YOULIVEINALION
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Hey Mark,

I am still having a bit of trouble with this problem. I brought it into one shop, who advised me that it was a problem with the transmission and would cost 1500 dollars to repair. They were, however, able to get the shifter unstuck (not sure how). I brought it to the dealer, who was very surprised by this diagnosis considering it was unstuck and driveable and that it has "one of the best transmissions in the world." I plan to talk to the original shop again, but I was wondering if you could help me in the meantime? Thanks a lot!

-Alex
Dec 6, 2008 at 4:21 PM