Volkswagen Polo III (1994 - 1999) - 97 1.4 gears won't select when engine is running

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Sat 13 Sep 2008 19:22
97 1.4 gears won't select when engine is running - romaconstantin
I've got a polo 97 on which I cannot select any gears when I start the engine. If I stop the engine I can select very easily any gear. clutch pedal box was replaced 2 months ago so the problem is not there, the pedal is fine and the cable is OK, just checked it. is just after switching the engine on that no gears can be selected anymore. Any idea where the problem might be please, I would be very grateful. many thanks

Edited by Pugugly on 13/09/2008 at 19:33

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Sat 13 Sep 2008 19:39
97 1.4 gears won't select when engine is running - Peter D
The clutch is dragging either due to a cable problem of a clutch issue. Regards Peter
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Sat 13 Sep 2008 20:53
97 1.4 gears won't select when engine is running - yorkiebar
Can you put it into gear (try all of them 1 at a time), press the clutch in, and then start the car?

Does the car move as you start it, or does it allow you to start it ok but not change gear?
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Sat 13 Sep 2008 23:13
97 1.4 gears won't select when engine is running - romaconstantin
Hi. I've put it in first gear and started the engine OK, the car moved slightly forward, than it drives but cannot change to second. I've tried reverse, started the engine and again the car started to roll backwards very very very slowly. again cannot change gear once engine is running. Really don't know what is going on...
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Sun 14 Sep 2008 00:09
97 1.4 gears won't select when engine is running - mfarrow
You need a new clutch kit as the current one is dragging. Take it to a reputable independant garage.
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Sun 14 Sep 2008 01:16
97 1.4 gears won't select when engine is running - romaconstantin
can we have a problem here with the clutch cable or it's definitely the clutch? only from what I've heard from other people, the clutch is gone when you put it in gear and you're going nowhere. is it worth changing the clutch cable first or just go for the clutch kit? many thanks once again
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Sun 14 Sep 2008 08:22
97 1.4 gears won't select when engine is running - Peter D
Sit in the car hand brake on and engage 1st gear. Start the car, and establish where the real firm bite point of the clutch is. If is feels normal then I suspect a clutch problem, if the bite point it low down then I suspect a cable problem or actuator/selt adjuster. Turn OFF and sit in the car and press the clutch to the floor now slide your foot off the pedal to allow it pop up unhindered. Start the car and check gear selection. This could be a stuck auto adjuster. Regards Peter
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