C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Help! Car does not move in drive or reverse

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 8, 2010 | 01:04 PM
  #1  
clydeyb's Avatar
clydeyb
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: Suffolk County, Long Island New York
Default Help! Car does not move in drive or reverse

Hi,
I was doing something stupid last night and tried to do a small power brake burn out. Well, aftrer letting off the throttle the car made some noise like the active handling system was trying to take control and now the car doesn't move in drive or reverse. The active haddling was turned off. I tried turning off and on , seems to operate ok. There are no current codes, the engine speed appears to drop down when putting into drive and reverse but no movement. No fluid leaks or nothing visual underneath. One odd thing is it will roll forward in neutral when pushed but won't roll backward??? It's like it is lock up in reverse? Tried disconnecting positive battery terminal for one minute, touched it to ground for one minute, re-connected, no effect. Any ideas??? Torque tube? Not sure where to start. Any ideas are welcome.
Thanks,
Clyde

Last edited by clydeyb; Jul 8, 2010 at 01:06 PM. Reason: clerification
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2010 | 01:39 PM
  #2  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

You either broke the drivers side short differential output shaft OR the transmission output shaft. I would say its most likely the Diff short shaft.

Jack up the rear of the car and see if you can spin the drivers wheel seperate from the passengers wheel. If they dont move together,,,, thats most likely the issue.

heres a post for you that shows you the inside of the differential and how to fix the issue with hardened C6 ZO6 parts.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-z06-guts.html

Theres another link in that e-mail with more info! Its some GOOOOD STUFF!
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2010 | 07:27 PM
  #3  
clydeyb's Avatar
clydeyb
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: Suffolk County, Long Island New York
Default

Hey Bill,
Thanks for your help! Do you think now would be a good time to put a set of better gear ratio in being the differential has to be taken apart and what would you recommend for a stock automatic daily driver? Do you think the cost would be? As always thank you for your advice.
Clyde
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2010 | 07:41 PM
  #4  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

If you plan on doing the repair your self,,,,,,replacing the seals, O rings, output shafts, clutches, belleview springs and cross shafts and maybe the spider gears are about as far as you can go without special tools to set up the rear-end. You need a Kent Moore tool to set up the pinion depth and tooth contact and differential bearing shim set selection for proper bearing clearances.

Ive never replaced the gears or pinion carrier so, I can not comment on the process. I did just discoverer the special Kent Moore tool on E Bay for an AMAZING $29.00 Sooner or later I will find a junk rear I can fool with and learn the set up process.

BC
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2010 | 07:56 PM
  #5  
clydeyb's Avatar
clydeyb
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: Suffolk County, Long Island New York
Default

Hey Bill,
I do not plan on doing the work myself. I have to have the work done. I'm going to try and find a reputable shop on Long Island to do the work. I am actually very pleased with the performance of my stock setup but I guess my question is if it is the differential output shaft that I damaged has to be replaced and while its apart should i go the extra mile to change the gear ratio since I'm getting the work done or just replace what's broken. What do you feel is the most cost effective thing do? I hear changing the gear ratio to like 3:53's is the way to go adds alot of performs power vs. stock gears I have of 2:73. What do you think the cost would be to have this done? Is the job of changing the output shaft much easier than changing the differential gears?
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2010 | 07:58 PM
  #6  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by clydeyb
Hey Bill,
I do not plan on doing the work myself. I have to have the work done. I'm going to try and find a reputable shop on Long Island to do the work. I am actually very pleased with the performance of my stock setup but I guess my question is if it is the differential output shaft that I damaged has to be replaced and while its apart should i go the extra mile to change the gear ratio since I'm getting the work done or just replace what's broken. What do you feel is the most cost effective thing do? I hear changing the gear ratio to like 3:53's is the way to go adds alot of performs power vs. stock gears I have of 2:73. What do you think the cost would be to have this done? Is the job of changing the output shaft much easier than changing the differential gears?
PM Sent
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2010 | 06:58 PM
  #7  
clydeyb's Avatar
clydeyb
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: Suffolk County, Long Island New York
Default

Hi,
Today I went out to work on my problem and found my battery almost completely dead. There were no lights left on, no reason for the battery to go completely dead in a 24 hr period.

I jacked up the rear end of the car and spun the wheels as you suggested Bill and both wheels spin the same way together so your diagnosis would be the automatic transmission output shaft. There is something wierd teh car will not roll backward only forward. If the trans shaft was broke wouldn't the car roll both ways? Could I have a shorted selenoid of some sort maybe in the trans or something that would drain the battery and not allow the car to roll backward and not allow the trans to engauge in forward and reverse? I felt at the time I had my problem and heard the noise it sounded like the ABS, traction control was trying to kick in although it was turned off at the time.

Any other thoughts? Do you think the dead battery is just a coinsidence? Do you think I could have an electrical problem causing the trans to not engauge in drive or reverse and not allow the car to roll backward in netrual???
Transmission problem???

Last edited by clydeyb; Jul 9, 2010 at 07:01 PM. Reason: clerification
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2010 | 07:08 PM
  #8  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Oh,,,,you have an AUTO> There are several things inside the trans that could have broken. Most likely a clutch drum/ Im not an automatic guy so otheres may have a better idea on the specific component. There are sprag clutches that only catch in ONE direction. Good luck on that one!

Originally Posted by clydeyb
Hi,
Today I went out to work on my problem and found my battery almost completely dead. There were no lights left on, no reason for the battery to go completely dead in a 24 hr period.

I jacked up the rear end of the car and spun the wheels as you suggested Bill and both wheels spin the same way together so your diagnosis would be the automatic transmission output shaft. There is something wierd teh car will not roll backward only forward. If the trans shaft was broke wouldn't the car roll both ways? Could I have a shorted selenoid of some sort maybe in the trans or something that would drain the battery and not allow the car to roll backward and not allow the trans to engauge in forward and reverse? I felt at the time I had my problem and heard the noise it sounded like the ABS, traction control was trying to kick in although it was turned off at the time.

Any other thoughts? Do you think the dead battery is just a coinsidence? Do you think I could have an electrical problem causing the trans to not engauge in drive or reverse and not allow the car to roll backward in netrual???
Transmission problem???
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 12:34 PM
  #9  
clydeyb's Avatar
clydeyb
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: Suffolk County, Long Island New York
Default

Anyone have an ballpark figure on what it cost to have an upgraded transmission with shift kit, etc, upgraded torque converter and 3:42 differential installed? I am faced with just having the stock tranny rebuilt or fixed or upgrading. Any opinions? A trans shop wants about $2500 to rebuild but they also stated maybe mine just needs to be fixed but based on my experience I never got that lucky getting away with a repair, it's always been after disassembly, oh no this tranny needs to be rebuilt! Again any opinions? based on my problem anyone think it's a repair and not a trans rebuild? Any thoughts are appreciated!
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 01:32 PM
  #10  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

I will say it again. I am NOT an Automatic tranny guy but,,,,I know there are some critical parts that need to be upgraded for longevity and strength. You should also install an additional after market tranny oil cooler.

There are people on this forum (sponsors) who do it and do it correctly. Pick one of them for a successful rebuild/repair.

Seen too many people on this forum use a local Mom and Pop tranny shop that was SUPPOSE to be great and able to build a bullet proof auto tranny that just plain sucked or they flat out lied about the work that they did. Once its sealed up, your buying a pig in a poke.

You live in Long Island. I highly recommend that you contact Chuck at Corvettes of Westchester. Its a hop skip and a jump from your location! He does OUTSTANDING Automatic and Manual transmission work and stands behind what he services. When you install a built tranny, your going to need to have the PCM tuned to properly control the upgraded trans. He also tunes and does differential work if you want that done.

If nothing else, give him a call and discuss your issues, desired goals and performance needs. Chuck will give you an honest answer and if fixing your OEM trans is all you want, if it is possible, he will do it and NOT rip you off. He tuned my wifes 06 Coupe and WOW,,,he did a fantastic job. Ive see his shop and I was totally impressed!


Corvettes of Westchester
37 Old Albany Post Road
Ossining, N.Y. 10562
Phone 914-332-0049

Bill Curlee

Last edited by Bill Curlee; Jul 10, 2010 at 02:28 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 03:34 PM
  #11  
LoneStarFRC's Avatar
LoneStarFRC
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Default

Originally Posted by clydeyb
Anyone have an ballpark figure on what it cost to have an upgraded transmission with shift kit, etc, upgraded torque converter and 3:42 differential installed? I am faced with just having the stock tranny rebuilt or fixed or upgrading. Any opinions? A trans shop wants about $2500 to rebuild but they also stated maybe mine just needs to be fixed but based on my experience I never got that lucky getting away with a repair, it's always been after disassembly, oh no this tranny needs to be rebuilt! Again any opinions? based on my problem anyone think it's a repair and not a trans rebuild? Any thoughts are appreciated!
Might also try the Vette Doctors. They're in Amityville and I have seen a number of recommendations on their work over the years. 631-841-0779

HTH
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 04:54 PM
  #12  
clydeyb's Avatar
clydeyb
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: Suffolk County, Long Island New York
Default

Ok, got it! thank you for your patience and knowledgable advice. I was looking for other opinions when I when I wrote the latter tread. Thanks again Bill.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2010 | 04:05 AM
  #13  
rebelheart's Avatar
rebelheart
Safety Car
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,237
Likes: 11
From: Lacombe Louisiana
Default

Sounds like you shattered the reverve sprag which is a weak link in this trans.If you are going to continue to play with your car,go to an upgraded trans or rebuild from a performance shop.Also, best time ever to upgrade to 3.42's!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Help! Car does not move in drive or reverse





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:34 PM.

story-0
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-4
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-5
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-7
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE