When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I did some restoration work (with battery disconnected) in my centre console. I had to remove the centre console and, amongst other things, I had to disassemble the upper shift boot (****, spring, t-rod) in order to get out the console plate. During the restoration works, I am sure I moved the stick around across different gears in order to work properly depending on what I was doing. The works lasted a few weeks (3 to 4).
Now that I have reassembled everything back, the reverse gear won't engage, even with the engine started. However, the ignition key still comes out even if I put the car on 1st gear (since I can't put it in reverse).
Any idea what could have happened?
Last edited by chrisdotmt; Apr 5, 2026 at 12:53 PM.
There's a cable (park lock cable) that runs from the shift lever to a lever on the steering column. Just disconnect it at the steering column and you'll be able to engage reverse. It's an anti theft device that locks the steering.
Be sure the shifter is put together correct, try removing spring and rod to see if you can get into reverse, if the key is coming out that means the reverse lever cable is moving forward and activating the lever at the base of the steering column
There's a cable (park lock cable) that runs from the shift lever to a lever on the steering column. Just disconnect it at the steering column and you'll be able to engage reverse. It's an anti theft device that locks the steering.
just to be clear, this cable (steering side), is it accessible if I disassemble the steering column INSIDE the car (i.e. in front of the dashboard)?
just for my learning purposes, how is the reverse lockout cable preventing the reverse gear from engaging (i.e. the shifter lever going into reverse position)?
just for my learning purposes, how is the reverse lockout cable preventing the reverse gear from engaging (i.e. the shifter lever going into reverse position)?
is your shifter going into reverse but the reverse gear isn't engaging in the trans or is your shifter not going into reverse gate
is your shifter going into reverse but the reverse gear isn't engaging in the trans or is your shifter not going into reverse gate
my shifter stick is not moving into the reverse position (leftmost forward). So when I pull the t-rod up, move shifter stick to the leftmost position and push forward, the shifter stick does not engage into the reverse position.
In order to turn the ignition lock cylinder to the OFF position and remove the key the shifter needs to be be moved left and up into the reverse position. You being able to remove the key with the transmission in 1st tells me the ignition lock cylinder tumblers and the ignition key teeth are worn out. Just disconnect the cable at the engine side and you'll be able to get the trans in reverse.
my shifter is not moving into reverse position. so when I pull the t-rod up, move shifter stick to the left and push forward, the shifter stick does not enter into reverse position.
as you pull up on the T handle and the rod inside comes up it bypasses a welded pin on the shifter housing... can you feel it bypass and move left as you pull up on the T handle
as you pull up on the T handle and the rod inside comes up it bypasses a welded pin on the shifter housing... can you feel it bypass and move left as you pull up on the T handle
yes it moves to the leftmost position (so past 1st/2nd), but it just doesn't move forward into reverse.
yes it moves to the leftmost position (so past 1st/2nd), but it just doesn't move forward into reverse.
I dont know that I believe you may be stuck in two gears but I would try putting the whole thing in full neutral manually
put the shifter in neutral, go underside with a 9/16 wrench and make sure the 1/2 and 3/4 levers are straight up and down and the reverse lever is all the way forward and then see if you can go inside and shift.
or perhaps something fell into the shifter housing keeping you from shifting into reverse so try from underside
Just disconnect the cable underneath the hood. See what happens. What have you got to lose. That's a lot easier than crawling around underneath the car.
and if I disconnect the reverse lock cable from the hood side it will get unstuck?
if its stuck in the housing or kinked at the shifter lever end it will still be hard to go into reverse, you would need to disconnect at the shift lever
if the problem is at the column it will fix it
Last edited by Golfobsessed; Apr 5, 2026 at 02:02 PM.
Reverse no longer engaging
