I have a 2006 jetta TDI. I cannot shift into 1st gear. I can shift through 2-5 and reverse without any problem. But when I try to shift into first it feels like something is stopping It from sliding into gear. It doesn't grind or anything. It just stops. I released the shift linkage, Locked the gearbox and shifter in the home position. Then I release the shift linkage and then The gearbox and shifter. I don't think it's a shift linkage adjustment issue. I also tried releasing The shifter linkage and then manually shifting through the gears at the gearbox. Again all gears work except 1st gear.

VW Jetta neutral override trick - YouTube

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFw2j6ufTH8
May 28, 2013 - Uploaded by Pop Acap
This 2005 VW Jetta SE was involved in a motor Vehicle Accident and ... I had troubles with my vauxhall zafira 1 ...

STUCK IN PARK!!! - Volkswagen Forum - VW Forums for Volkwagen ...

volkswagenforum.com > ... > VW MODELS > Volkswagen Jetta/Bora

Aug 10, 2006 - i was driving into my apartment complex, and i put my car in park ... He checked the shift lock, fuses, brake light switch, computer stuff ... Automatic ShifterStuck in Park, waldo358, Volkswagen Passat, 1, 12-27-2007 05:23 PM.

Automatic stuck in Park - doesnt seem to be brake switch - TDIClub ...

https://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=323777

Jul 12, 2011 - Automatic stuck in Park - doesnt seem to be brake switch VW ... TDI(s): 2002 VW Jetta TDI Manual(performed 01M to 5-speed swap) .... Bad Brake light switch - stuck in park, Joe Golf, TDI 101, 2, November 25th, 2007 17:48. Audi A6 Stuck In Park - Read More
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The shift linkage may need rebuilding. Inspect it. Jetta 3 2 0L 8V 9

Ok , so you got home , parked it and when you started it up the next day and shifted it into reverse... backed out... and went to shift into drive , it stayed in reverse ?
Have you checked to see that the cable has not disjoined itself from the shifter to the trans.?
Are you able to engage Park?

These little engines(although very good little engines)have a problem with carbon build up in the intake manifold. It builds up so bad it begins to choke the engine off. The only solution is to remove the intake and soak with a good solvent over night and will generally take you a good couple of hours to clean out to get to "like new" again. Once this is accomplished, it's like driving your car new again!!

u need to adjust the shift linkage cables, the adjustment is made at the trans end of the shift cables, very involved, u will need a repair manual to get it right and also a possible set of new shift cables as well..

I currently have the same problem, and looking at replacing the transmission wire harness. I'm hoping this will cure my problem. My volkswagon mechanic thinks so anyways.

chek for tiny pipe loseconection round engine carb with fss noise.

throw out bearing

My 2002 Jetta TDI will not always go into reverse. When this happens I put it in 1st then back to reverse and many times it goes right in reverse. It happens whether it is cold or warmed.

That is your brake light switch that need to be replaced. Ask your dealer if he can do an "N4" and it might be free.