2.0 8V bottom end rebuild (by idiots)

[Dieselman]

Cleaning the filters has been on my agenda but it's hot as heck outside and my wife occupies the garage.

Tell your Wife to either move back into the house, or buy a tent.

[Dieselman]

It definitely feels like the cable isn't actually connected as the rotary spins so loosely I didn't even know it was cable operated!

Pull the knob straight off using flat pliers and a rag/bit of rubber, as a cushion. A good grip and quick tug is the best way.
The knobs are held onto the D shaft with a small flat spring clip, which may be missing, or the knob shank be broken which is common, due to being acrylic.
If broken, cut a grove all the way round the circumference and stick it back together using a wire, or strong thread, as reinforcement.