Can't get into 3rd gate (4th/5th)
 

Question on possible problems as to why I can't get into the 3rd shift gate (4th/5th).

When I try to, the shifter just stops completely in the middle and there's no way to move the stick further to the right. When I try it to the left (to get into 1st) the stick has the tension it should and kicks back to the center.

I haven't been able to get up and underneath the car yet to check out everything out. Has there been any common issues with this? I'm just trying to pinpoint where to look first. I won't be able to check it out until the weekend.

Thanks!

Did this just start suddenly or has it been slowly getting worse? There is a splined joint inside the tunnel just behind the shifter and the pinch bolt can loose tightness over time. Shifter issues are very common on all 914s so search here and on the other 2 914 sites and you will find many posts similar to yours.

3rd gear???
 

there are 2 possabilities to this issue that are comon. i rebuild transmisions and see this alot. this is usually caused by the lack of propper maintenance and continued driving after gears start grinding when shifting or forcing the car in to 3rd when it grinds....or some shifter linkage isues, possable cone screws at coupler backed out?? but i would think you would of felt the difference...the 3rd/4rth gear slider is mushroomed and will need replaced, as well as the synchro band and dog teeth most likely. this is a very costly repair and most likely you will find other synchros and bad dogteeth when you open it up that need replaced. i sell refurbished side and tail shifter transmissions that have been thouroly inspected, resealed, all bad or worn parts replaced with good used parts. these are $650.00 with core of $200.00

or

rebuilt transmisions with all new dog teeth on all 5, new sliders, new synchros, thouroly inspected bearings and replaced new seals. (1st reverse slider is not new but good used) these run $2200.00 with $200.00 core
pm me for any details or if i can help you figure out the problem and possably guild you through the repair..thats free..anytime

Could be that the clutch tube in the center tunnel has come loose and is blocking the bottom of the gear shift lever from moving to the left. Pull off the carpet from the top of the tunnel and look through the holes into the tunnel to verify if this is the case.

--DD