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72 LT-1 w/M20, stock shifter - when I pull up on the T-Handle, the reverse lockout will not allow the shifter to move to the left to go into reverse.
I spent the day following the instructions in the service manual and threads on the forum to adjust the shifter. Inserted the alignment tool I purchased from Corvette Central and adjusted the shift rods. After removing the tool, I can move the shifter through 1-4 easily, but when I pull the T-handle, it will not allow the shifter to move into the reverse gate.
I spend a lot of time fiddling around with the shifter and levers when trying to get the alignment tool into place. I think i may have done something to the reverse lockout, but don’t know where to start.
BTW, the cable that goes to the steering column has been removed, so that is not part of the issue.
Just a thought - have you removed the shifter ball to see if the rod that's connected to the T-handle inside the shifter shaft is not broken? (don't lose the spring)
That's exactly what I was thinking. Many years ago back when I still lived in the states. I stopped at the local supermarket. When I went to leave, car wouldn't go into reverse. I had to wait until the owner of the car parked in front of me finally came out and left. then I could get out going forward.
Once home I removed the shift ball, spring and T handle. Only to find the rod had broken off the T handle. I pulled the broken rod out with a narrow magnet. Car went into reverse.
Ordered new parts straight away!
Safely jack up your car on the drivers side and look at the position of the gear arms/brackets with the shifter in Neutral. If the long rod for “Reverse Lockout” had been removed, verify the arms/brackets are in the same position as this picture.
Make sure the black arm/brackets are in the same position as your transmission.
I removed the shift ball and checked the rod. It was not broken, but totally gunked up. I’m sure it has never been removed and cleaned before. Unfortunately it was not the problem. So I decided to start over with the shifter adjustment. It appears that I did not have the reverse rod properly set when I did it yesterday. Once I got it set, everything works perfectly. Amazing what a difference in how well it shifts now after such a few adjustments.
Reverse Lockout wont disengage
