My Fabia 1.9 TDI (05 model) got stuck in reverse! I parked the car on a slight incline and left it , hand brake on and in reverse gear. After 2 hours I returned to the car to find I could not budge the gearstick at all. I didn't think to try starting it with clutch depressed but got out of the car, rocked it as you might for a sticking starter motor and it freed. Any ideas, never had this happen before. A bit worried.

Drive carefully or invest in one of those rotating seats you get in motorhomes.

Drive carefully or invest in one of those rotating seats you get in motorhomes.

Well yes but apart from that anyone who may be able to shed light?? Or interested?? Thanks.

Leave it in first. The car had just slipped back slightly on the handbrake whilst parked, and the gearbox took over the duty of holding it in place. You trying to counteract that duty just by moving the gearstiock is not easy at all. Simply pull the handbrake up harder, dip the clutch and the gears should free up again. It is not an issue, just something you might have to adapt to as the handbrakes are not always the best, and TDIs weigh quite a lot too.

Have to ask too - How did you find an incline in Lincolnshire?

Leave it in first. The car had just slipped back slightly on the handbrake whilst parked, and the gearbox took over the duty of holding it in place. You trying to counteract that duty just by moving the gearstiock is not easy at all. Simply pull the handbrake up harder, dip the clutch and the gears should free up again. It is not an issue, just something you might have to adapt to as the handbrakes are not always the best, and TDIs weigh quite a lot too.

Have to ask too - How did you find an incline in Lincolnshire?

Ah well...could ask how do you know there are no 'inclines' in Lincolnshire as you come from miles away!! Actually I did say slight..I think one of the rear wheels was on the cat.. Doesn't help me solve my prob though, as we DO need to reverse on occasions in Lincs and I'm wary of selecting that gear at the mo!!:(

It will be fine for general use. I would personally just use 1st gear.

It will be fine for general use. I would personally just use 1st gear.

Thanks Dev. The gearbox works fine but it's just that I never had that happen before ( Imean so solidly stuck) I did try depressing the clutch and stuff but it wouldn't move. Rocking the car freed it immediately. If it happens again I'll start the engine with the clutch disengaged and see if that works ( saves pushing)!! Meantime your advice of leaving it in 1st sounds sensible!!! BTW I have driven 40 years and that's a first!!

Thanks Dev. The gearbox works fine but it's just that I never had that happen before ( Imean so solidly stuck) I did try depressing the clutch and stuff but it wouldn't move. Rocking the car freed it immediately. If it happens again I'll start the engine with the clutch disengaged and see if that works ( saves pushing)!! Meantime your advice of leaving it in 1st sounds sensible!!! BTW I have driven 40 years and that's a first!!

Aw shucks ... I take it I can't interest you in a seat from my 1978 VW camper then?

If its anything remotely mechanical, your issue might be relating to the clutch/brake hydraulic fluid. Only a remote chance, because at the moment mine needs bleeding to free up some air. Sometimes I get stuck gearknob syndrome, or it's very tough to engage a gear, even with the clutch fully depressed.

Aw shucks ... I take it I can't interest you in a seat from my 1978 VW camper then?

I think I'll pass on your offer this time joe, but thanks all the same:rolleyes:

If its anything remotely mechanical, your issue might be relating to the clutch/brake hydraulic fluid. Only a remote chance, because at the moment mine needs bleeding to free up some air. Sometimes I get stuck gearknob syndrome, or it's very tough to engage a gear, even with the clutch fully depressed.

Cheers Devon, don't think there is anything too serious as 'box is working fine. I'm thinking the handbrake must not have been on hard enough and the car had 'settled' onto reverse gear. Had I started the car and let the clutch up slightly it would probably have released. What I don't understand is that it was stuck solid!! never had that before!!