'89 S2 shift issue
 

Suddenly, the car tends to get stuck in 2nd and 3rd gear. Depressing the clutch disconnects the drive train and you are able to push the accelerator and rev the engine, but it is physically difficult to move the shift linkage to get it out of gear or to change gears. Once out of gear it will shift into another gear. There are no issues from a stop shifting into either reverse or first. Any suggestions?

My 91 S2 started doing this in November. The end result was the bearings in the gearbox were shot and I have had to have the gearbox rebuilt. In addition when fitting the new gearbox last week turns out the clutch is all but shot as well so this is currently being rebuilt as well. Should have in back next week but sounds like the same problem that you have.

That one sounds pretty unusual.

I would first start by looking at your shifting linkage, both at the shifter and back at the transmission.

The post connecting the shifter handle to the rod gets worn, making shifts loose until it completely disengages.

There is also a bolt that can get loose at the transmission that might be your problem.

If this all checks out, then it sounds like you have something going on inside the tranny, maybe synchros.

Good luck with it,

Keith

How many miles were on your clutch?

This is the route I would take as well. If the linkage isn't going back to the positions it's suppose to, this problem will come up.

70,000 miles on the clutch. the rubber centre was all but disintegrated but somehow although in a million bits the bits must have been holding hands because it still formed a perfect circle. Roll on the spring centred replacement.

I just got the car back from the shop. The rubber disc let go in the clutch. There are no issues with the transmission, thank goodness. The shop was pretty good. They did the change out in 10 hours.