Hope someone can help, I am having problems both engaging and disingaging 1st and reverse gears, it requires a lot of force to carry out either task, this problem occurs around 30% of the time. I have had a new master and slave cylinder installed aswell as a new clutch but still no joy. I have read a few other threads quoting simular problems which suggests a change of gearbox oil which hopefully will be getting done tomorrow. Its a Octavia 2.0tdi 55 plate 6 speed with 67000 mile. Anyone any ideas?

:confused:

Have the gearshift linkage inspected, lubed, etc first.

Until then just release the clutch and reapply for a 2nd attempt whenever it sticks.

Thanks for the reply, I try the double clutching but it doesnt always work, I can get around the problem of selecting first gear by selecting second then going into first but the only way to get it out of gear is brute force.

sounds like synchros are on the way out

As sebulbus says check gear link at end of gear selector cable where it joins the gearbox. I had similar symptoms and eventually this plastic linkage fractured. Left me stranded but breakdown (britannia) service got me going temporarily and indi garage repaired for very little

Just realised yours is Mk2 Octy I was talking about MK 1 APOLOGIES

The linkage in the mk2 should be levers, but the same applies, these can be bent out of shape, or the end mechanisms become mis-aligned.

Also make sure your clutch has enough travel. It might not, and the simptoms are only obvious in 1st and R since they are the most difficult to sync.

Thans for the replies, I will have the above items checked next time its in for a service, I have just got the car back from having the gearbox oil changed and only had a short run in it so far but all seems OK at the minute! I will let yoy know how it performs after a good run.