Hey all. Over the past few years I've been working at home so my vRS isn't getting used as much as it used to be. Lately I've noticed the gear stick doesn't centre like it used to and it feels quite stiff.

After a 45minute journey the other day, it wouldn't go into reverse (whether the engine was running or not). After I'd let it cool down for a few hours, it went into reverse no problem.

I read another post about someone with a similar issue and he mentioned some rubber bushes which expand when the engine bay heats up, causing the issue, but there wasn't much info regarding their location.

Can anyone help me out?

Linkage needs adjusting

As Clive says, first and foremost try a linkage reset.

if won't work, a new clutch is needed

Thanks, guys. I'll try adjusting the gear linkage!

@IulianE - It won't go into reverse even with the engine off (therefore not having to use the clutch pedal). Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that means the clutch is ok.

There's a video on YouTube showing how to adjust it

Sent from my Galaxy S3, not a Crapple!

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/251622-help-about-gear-linkage/

I finally got around to adjusting the gear linkage and it hasn't solved the issue. I can select reverse when the engine's cold, but not once it's been running for a while (usually after about 20 minutes driving).

Any more ideas?

was gonna say dont think its the linkeage, as why does it work when cold but not hot, there is no area on the shifter mech that should stop selection due to heat expansion.

I would say clutch or box related, though am no expert...

Check the gearbox oil level. I've seen a car with this problem and it was down to low oil level (leaked past the driveshaft seal).

If this is a high miler, then it maybe worth changing the gearbox oil.

Have you tried pumping the clutch when it's warm and seeing if that helps? If it helps it would point to the hydraulic system which may just need bleeding.

Sent from my Galaxy S3, not a Crapple!

yup very good points abouve, check the level, prob worth even doing a change/flush