C4 stuck in reverse tree
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 19
Likes: 4
C4 stuck in reverse tree
I swapped my 4+3 for a good one, and now the shift lever is stuck in the reverse tree, so it can move into reverse and back into neutral, but not out of the "lockout zone," meaning it can't move sideways into the forward gears. I adjusted with the linkages with no luck, but I found that if I manually get under the car, I can disengage it from neutral into the forward gears and it will shift fine, but once it gets back into the reverse tree, it gets stuck there again. The reverse lockout also does not seem to work currently, since once it's in the forward gears, the collar does not need to be picked up to enter the reverse tree. I also disconnected the ignition lockout mechanism, since it didn't seem to work from the start (my key was able to be removed in any gear, which I don't mind). Playing with the ignition mechanism also does not fix the issue. I believe it's something to do with the lockout collar mechanism itself, and it looks like the collar does not get all the way back down, though I'm unsure. I've also tried a good amount of brute force, just seeing if anything will loosen up or fall into place but no dice. Any ideas on where to look next?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,383
Likes: 2,736
If you have the FSM do the 'neutral alignment' using a properly fabricated key. A hacksawblade has been mentioned in the past as being very close to correct thickness and width. See the 7B section of the FSM, something near 7B-2 or 3 generally.
Do you have the FSM? What year?
Do you have the FSM? What year?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 19
Likes: 4
Sorry, forgot to mention the year. It's a 1985, and I do have the FSM and will check out that procedure. The car and the manual is currently at a friend's house so if you don't mind me asking, what does that procedure do exactly? Thank you for your help!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,383
Likes: 2,736
