Stuck in 3rd gear

[TommymacT2589]

Hi all
After driving through the hills of Tuscany the gearbox has stuck in 3rd gear, any ideas why and whether it could be a big job to fix?
I've called the RAC someone is on the way but would like to get an idea of what could be the problem before it gets towed to a garage
Thanks
Carl

2.1 water cooled

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[937carrera]

Can you move it out of gear when the engine is not running ?

[TommymacT2589]

No

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[937carrera]

Oh dear. It isn't clutch then.

If I was being called out I would disconnect the linkage at the gearbox end and try to disengage the gear directly on the box

From your description, and without wanting to put too much fear into you, it does sound as though there is an internal problem in the gearbox with the selector mechanism / forks.

Note: I am not a gearbox specialist, but have rebuilt gearboxes, and had problems with certain boxes where the selector mechanism has failed / slipped / broken.

Aidan or jebiga41 have the deepest knowledge on these boxes - I'm just getting a response to you while you are waiting

[TommymacT2589]

Thanks for your replys, we have been towed to a depot where we will be spending the night. Till we are towed to VW garage.
Could of gone to a hotel but staying in the van seemed the easiest option for us.
Hopefully they'll be able to fix


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[937carrera]

Towed with the wheels on the ground in 3rd gear

[TommymacT2589]

Sorry I meant....

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[937carrera]

Ah, that's better, and an AutoSleeper too

Enjoy your evening, let us know how it goes in the morning

Here's a link to a VW specialist in Florence http://www.vwkombibus.com/contact.html not T3, but at least Classic

[TommymacT2589]

Will do thanks again, will be sinking a few red wines with me t tonight Haha.
Libby I'm sure will be fighting fit and back on the road soon
Thanks for the contact I'll probably have to end up calling them pending who I'm taken to tomorrow


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[TommymacT2589]

Will let you know how I get on
Thanks

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[Aidan]

if it's a 4 speed then the chances are the synchrohub for 3rd and 4th gear is broken so the the slider that engages the gear is jammed as the hub breaks up and cams out; it's a rebuild job if that's the case. The selector ball on the side of the box should easily move into the neutral position normally, if that isn't the case then it's likely to be confirmation of the diagnosis I'm afraid.

[TommymacT2589]

Thanks Aiden yes it's a 4 speed.
Currently waiting at depot for the insurance to find out where to take it. May have to create a Facebook page to see if there are any Italian t3 guys who may be able to help or guide me on who could help.
We're 8 weeks into trip and really dont wanna be cutting it short and heading back to the UK.
Another reason not wanting to go back the uk is that my sister is coming out at the end of July to meet us, shes has already booked flights and got a t25 hired n ready for her
Positivity needed! Ha

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[937carrera]

Sounds like you need to get hold of a gearbox and have it fitted. - or fit it yourself, if you have a bit of mechanical experience.

I had a quick look on ebay Italia, nothing there and even in Germany there are none for a WBX listed, unless you have a Syncro

[Titus A Duxass]

Have a look on ebay small ads in Germany (ebay Kleinanzeigen) - search for VW T3 4 gang getriebe.
You may get lucky and find a seller that will organise (or help organise) transport.

[TommymacT2589]

Thanks I'll give that a try fingers crossed

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