Is it bad to drive your car if reverse is not functioning?

VWVortex.com - 1997 MK3 Jetta 2.0L 8v 5spd Reverse Gear Problem ...

forums.vwvortex.com > ... > Golf III & Jetta III
Dec 8, 2006 - 25 posts - ‎18 authors Hello, I have a 1997 MK3 Jetta 2.0L 8v 5spd my reverse gear is ... car in reverse- always, not even a little rolling, i have found that vw trannys r .... Member MKIII_96'sAvatar .... misalignment and problems with the transmission staying in gear. .... You can ask a hundred ways, but it won't change the answer/s. Won't go into 5th gear.
25 posts
Apr 17, 2009
1996 Jetta 2.0 5spd - No Reverse
10 posts
Jan 5, 2009
Car won't go into REVERSE!!! WTF? Any ideas?
25 posts
Nov 14, 2008
Transmission Shift Lever Stuck in Park - or, Key ...
25 posts
Nov 13, 2005
More results from forums.vwvortex.com

Volkswagen Cabrio Questions - pops out of reverse ...

www.cargurus.com > Questions > Volkswagen > Cabrio
CarGurusMar 26, 2012 - My 96 Cabrio pops out of reverse then makes grinding noise. ... worse case is the reverse gear has a few teeth missing which is a common problem in 97 and older ... Won't stay in reverse 1 answer ... 1991 Volkswagen Passat.

Because the transmission is dead. reverse works on different parts than drive on these cars. And since no one uses reverse more than drive? well you get my point.

I would change the transmission filter and fluid first. It could be that your filter is old and stopping the transmission from working properly.

If a transmission fluid and filter change does not solve the problem, then it's time for a transmission rebuild or replacement. This can often happen if the car was driven improperly, such as sudden stops and starts, jamming the clutch into gear (in manuals), down shifting while the car is in another gear or from old age.

reverse clutch is worn out. will need rebuilt

1995 vw cabrio 4 speed automatic trans dosent move

THIS MODEL DID CAME WITH ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL TO DRIVE THE RPMS ACCORDING WITH THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE,AND IF DOES THE SAME THING IN REVERSE HAVE TO VE SOMETHING RELATED WITH ONE OF THE CABLES OR MECHANISM TO DRIVE THE THROTTLE BECAUSE REVERSE IS DIRECT GEAR AND NOTHIG TO DO WITH SLIPERY CLUTCHS IN THE AUTOMATIC

You need to get a Haynes manual or similar.
There are two cables which run from the shift lever to the transmission to select the PRND21.
If these cables are not adjusted precisely, you will lose a function. After the reverse gear stops working the out of adjustment won't allow the car to go into park. The park position becomes reverse.
The Haynes manual describes step by step how to do it. Cheap book (about $15).
Try other positions like neutral or part way through neutral and park and you may find your gear there. If you do, you are lucky; adjustment only.
If the cable is not the problem....you may need a transmission.

you need another transmission

new tranny or get the one you have rebuilt,,,,,,,

MAKE SURE YOUR TRANSMISSION FLUID IS FULL/ADJUST YOUR LINKAGE SO REVERSE LINES UP/REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FILTER AND FLUID.NEVER PAY $100S-$1000S TILL YOU TRY THE ABOVE BECAUSE THEY WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY.