This sounds like a problem with the ball/socket section of the front gear shift lever. This is an assembly of plastic pieces and they are cheap and easy to replace. I think one or more of the list vendors sell a kit to replace them but even at a VW dealer they don't cost much.

Mark

"Imua Camper Co." wrote: > > More shifting questions... Have a van that broke down suddenly leaving > occupants stuck in the middle of the road with it stuck in gear and they > were unable to release the clutch so they couldn't roll it off of the road. > Had it towed to a shop and they decided the linkage was frozen and replace > some bushings and relubed- ($109.00...) when one of my employees picked up > the van he said it was really stiff in shifting- which loosened up after a > while, but also said it feels like the stick is 2" shorter than it used to > be, and the "H" pattern has disappeared along with the reverse lockout. > He has to hunt for every gear on every shift, and sometimes goes into > reverse rather than 1st, far too easily. This van is on a different island > than me so I haven't checked it out myself, and this all sound very > curious. Anyne have experience with these characteristics? Sound like > shoddy repair work? TIA for any advice- > Shawn Zenor > > Imua Camper Company, Hawaii, http://www.imua-tour.com > Volkswagen Westfalia camper rentals in the Hawaiian Islands > ph/fax-1(877)773-4682 or (808)935-6241 > > Member: Recreational Vehicle Rental Association > Hawaii Ecotourism Association