Had a reverse solenoid lockout failure and found out the hard way. When going from 4th to 5th had the dreaded grind before discovering failure. (I ground it a few times at speed). Now I feel the shifts are notchy from gear to gear. I replaced tranny oil and it helped immensely but I feel it is not the same tranny as before failure. Could I have done some serious damage to tranny by said failure. Anyone

 

I would try and realign the shifter and check the bushings.

 

Thanks AKA, that is what I think I will do since it is a MGW shifter (has a aftermarket shifter) that no locktite was used when originally installed, maybe it moved. Hopefully I did not do any tranny damage...

 

I would try the realignment. I had a similar occurrence with my shifter, I hadn't noticed immediately that the lockout suddenly failed. Shifter has actually gotten better on its own. If you haven't repaired it yet, the lockout is available on Amazon. The shop manual says you have to lower the trans to install it. It certainly looks that way when you first locate the lockout. I said no way and I was determined to not remove the trans, it's a bitch of a job. Pretty much by feel I figured I could change it without moving the trans. It took quite a while to do but still less than lowering the transmission.

 

Make sure the shifter MOUNT BUSHINGS on the torque tube are not worn/torn/deteriorated and the four shifter to base fasteners are tight.

BC

 

Thankyou, I had it done at the GM dealership for $75- flat rate after I printed off instructions on how to do it (as you mentioned). The solenoid was $145- so I figure I did well on that move. The dealership service writer never heard of a solenoid failing, because I was the first one he gave me a deal. Just hope I did not do any lasting damage with the dreaded Grrrrind, grind! (till I figured out what was happening) Rob

 

Thanks Bill for the great idea, when I installed the MGW the bushings were pooched...will have to purchase some new ones. It was on my to do list, lol.

 

GM only sells them with a NEW SHIFTER. Check with ZIP CORVETTE PARTS as I think I remember them selling upgraded nylon bushings..

Bill

 

I am happy to report the tranny has gotten better on its own also....whats with that? I don't think anyone can say but it is back to its old self and I could not be happier. I replaced solenoid and tranny fluid so should be good it that dept for years to come. Thankyou all. Rob

 

 

so I hate resurrecting a 2 yr old thread... but felt it was worth adding. I changed my reverse lockout solenoid thinking it might have been on its way out. After the proper install. I couldn't access any gears. It literally felt like the shifter was froze solid in place in the neutral gate. I couldn't access any gears. I was like WTF! I did everything perfect. I calmed down. Shut the car off, waited 30 seconds, then restarted it. I then could pop it into any gear. I took it out. It felt tougher to get into any of the gears and notchy. I pulled the shifter out and lubed it all up, checked everything and re-installed and check to be sure it was aligned just right. I took it back out. It almost felt as the transmission warmed up that the shifts improved to get better and possibly less notchy. It was intermittent though. One time I would go through the gears and it felt relatively smooth. Then on another corner it felt notchy. Perhaps the computer needs to relearn this new part or something? I don't know. I honestly didn't expect the transmission to be locked up solid after I installed this and take a shut down and restart for it to start working again. So yeah, going to pull the shifter out again today and double check the alignment once again and then go for another drive and see how it behaves. Going to try to do the anti venom mod next....see if that helps.