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I just swapped out the overdrive unit on my 1985. Everything went back together really well, but now when I shift to reverse, I can't get back to neutral without reaching in and releasing the lockout manually. I don't think the OD unit is the problem because it all works perfectly and as soon as the lockout is released it shifts like butter.
There's a rod next to the shifter that seems like it should have tension to release the lockout and does not. Could that have something to do with it? Thanks in advance for the help.
I took a couple pictures of the mechanism that is locking the car in reverse. I think it is intended to lock it for parking? I'm not really clear on that.
This mechanism is catching and keeping it from shifting out of reverse. There's a rod connected to a cable on the right side. I think I'd that rod had tension it would keep the catch from engaging. Here it is in the FSM. Looks like the cable connects to the steering column? Is it for security? I'm not sure why you'd lock the car in reverse.
Park / Reverse .The thought is the engine will not rotate in reverse direction; when parking brake isn't used.
Can you explain more?
Edit: more importantly, why is it sticking and how do I get it unstuck? I messed with the parking brake which has never worked and it was after that it started locking. The parking brake is not engaged.
That cable is supposed to work the other way around. It is supposed to keep you from turning the key to the lock position
unless the car is in reverse. Its kinda like the stick version of Park on an auto car. Does the pull-up ring reverse release
n the shifter work? Maybe on of those 2 mechanisms are mis-adjusted, or both.
You shouldn't have to file anything in the mechanism. That is the adjuster for the park-lock cable. Try moving it around to see if it helps. You are correct, the lift ring should only keep you out of reverse not stuck in it.
In cases were car is parked on an incline in gear .It's possible car could roll forward if shifter was in say low. The rear tires would turn forward rotating driveshaft and eventually engine. If for reason key was on and operator peeking under hood for some reason. If car moved forward , the engine rotate enough to start causing injuries.
In looking at this thread, I found a photo. There's A SPRING that is supposed to go there. That would make a lot of sense as that would solve the problem entirely. Also it makes sense for the shape of the mechanism.
Either that or this person added one to solve the same issue I'm having. I don't see the spring in the FSM diagram. But with the shape of the mechanism it makes sense.
This is a photo of my shifter, 100% stock, and it has a spring.
Thank you for confirming. Anyone know where I could get a spring like that? I assume you could use a spring not specifically made for this purpose, it looks like a fairly common size. I've looked all over for mine but I can't seem to find it.
I found a spring at O'Reilly's that is intended for a carburetor but it was about the right size. It was a little larger than the original but it works without issues, and saves me trying to find some specialty part. It still locks in reverse with key in the ignition, but pops right out when the key is in the ignition, just like it's supposed to.
I just swapped out the overdrive unit on my 1985. Everything went back together really well, but now when I shift to reverse, I can't get back to neutral without reaching in and releasing the lockout manually. I don't think the OD unit is the problem because it all works perfectly and as soon as the lockout is released it shifts like butter.
There's a rod next to the shifter that seems like it should have tension to release the lockout and does not. Could that have something to do with it? Thanks in advance for the help.
Hi, I had the same problem. Shifter **** is linked to steering column and to ignition switch by some cable and this is what makes the problem.
This security feature is supposed to prevent you from getting the key from the ignition switch unless you have shifted into reverse, but it also does not alow you to shift out of reverse when you do not have the key turned in the ignition switch. This was probably to secure, that car will not move when you leave it and to make car thiefs job a litle harder.
In my case something on linkage betwen shifter and ignition switch went wrong when I was on trip with my corvette and I got stuck in reverse. I tow the car into servise and make the linkage moving free again but mechanic said it can happen again. So I decided to disconnect this irritating system. I just disconnected the linkage that was connected to shifter and fix it to the side panel in position like it is in reverse. So now shifter is free to move because it has nothing that can block it connected to it which is important to me. And ignition switch is also free to move because it is alwais in unlock (reverse) position.
This works for me about 3 years and I am very happy about it,
1985 manual reverse lockout sticking
