Loss of reverse gear
I have tried altering the gearchange rods on my 2000 VW Polo 1.4 VW, but I still can’t get reverse to engage. With the rods disconnected, reverse can be engaged. Keith Lyle As you can select reverse gear with the cable disconnected, it is almost certainly going to be a problem with the gear selector mechanism rather than the gearbox. With this in mind, I would check all the components for wear that is allowing loss of movement between the gearlever and gearbox.
If no obvious problems can be spotted, I would try to reset the selector mechanism; to do this correctly requires a special tool (part no 3192). This is done by detaching the gearknob and gaiter, and removing the lower tray beneath the engine, if fitted. At the gearbox end of the gearchange mechanism you will see a small balljoint held onto the selector rod by a 10mm nut. This should be loosened, along with the bolt securing the other cable to the rod. The special tool is then located over the gearstick, before setting the parameters of movement and locking the nut and bolt at the gearbox end.
There is a method which should work without using the tool. This is to loosen off the nut and bolt, as mentioned, then place the gearlever into the reverse position and put the gearbox into reverse using the selector mechanism. Then tighten up the nut and bolt and test the operation. This method may require a bit of trial and error, and marking the position of the connections before starting is advisable.