Will not shift into gear

[dbelden]

My 1973 914 1.7l will not shift into gear. The shifter floats rather than gates between gears. Any idea what causes that issue?

[John Rogers]

I would figure bad/worn out bushings. There is one at the front, one on the middle joint and one at the rear at the transmission case. Put the car on stands, lay under the rear end and have someone shift the gears and watch what the linkage does.
John

[Emo993]

Yup as John Rogers said, remove the black plastic cover on the side rear of the transmission. And with a friend moving the shift lever you will be able to see or feel where neutral is and the three gates. Mark

[tonythetarga]

Check the plastic ‘cup’ that is supposed to be inside the last metal piece that rides on the ball of the shift mechanism on the trans. The plastic cup deteriorates over time and you can’t feel gear selection.

[azbanks]

Check all the linkage from the shifter back to the transmission. Check the cone screws. If they back out the linkage will come apart.