2000 6 Speed Reverse Lockout Strange Issue
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 774
Likes: 380
From: Old Dominion - VA
2000 6 Speed Reverse Lockout Strange Issue
2000 coupe 6 speed
Since I have owned it, reverse lockout has not been functional, which is a PITA.
I had the car at the shop for alignment and some other things and asked them to troubleshoot and repair. I was assuming it to be the lockout solenoid, and that was bad, however, the PCM also was not cutting the common to the solenoid, therefore the lockout would not engage, I opted to replace the PCM.
Lockout is still not working. We can hear the solenoid clicking (using a scanner to manually engage and disengage the feature), but no lockout.
I am not smart enough to offer any guidence to the shop and they are swamped, which means my car sits until they have a lift available for guesswork.
Any ideas from the hive?
Since I have owned it, reverse lockout has not been functional, which is a PITA.
I had the car at the shop for alignment and some other things and asked them to troubleshoot and repair. I was assuming it to be the lockout solenoid, and that was bad, however, the PCM also was not cutting the common to the solenoid, therefore the lockout would not engage, I opted to replace the PCM.
Lockout is still not working. We can hear the solenoid clicking (using a scanner to manually engage and disengage the feature), but no lockout.
I am not smart enough to offer any guidence to the shop and they are swamped, which means my car sits until they have a lift available for guesswork.
Any ideas from the hive?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,422
Likes: 1,146
From: Dyer, IN
2000 coupe 6 speed
Since I have owned it, reverse lockout has not been functional, which is a PITA.
I had the car at the shop for alignment and some other things and asked them to troubleshoot and repair. I was assuming it to be the lockout solenoid, and that was bad, however, the PCM also was not cutting the common to the solenoid, therefore the lockout would not engage, I opted to replace the PCM.
Lockout is still not working. We can hear the solenoid clicking (using a scanner to manually engage and disengage the feature), but no lockout.
Since I have owned it, reverse lockout has not been functional, which is a PITA.
I had the car at the shop for alignment and some other things and asked them to troubleshoot and repair. I was assuming it to be the lockout solenoid, and that was bad, however, the PCM also was not cutting the common to the solenoid, therefore the lockout would not engage, I opted to replace the PCM.
Lockout is still not working. We can hear the solenoid clicking (using a scanner to manually engage and disengage the feature), but no lockout.
So they misdiagnose the problem, change the wrong part, and have the audacity to tell you they are swamped and cannot fix the issue? I would get your old PCM back, and have the car towed at their expense to a trustworthy shop that knows how to troubleshoot.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 1,994
From: THE BEACH..
Has the car been tuned before? You can adjust the speed at which it will enable/disable at.
If you replaced the PCM then that rules that out. VSS from the T56 is what will tell the PCM the speed.
If it was able to be manually cycled with a Scanner then both the PCM and Reverse Lockout are working. Then again that's if it was what you heard.
If you replaced the PCM then that rules that out. VSS from the T56 is what will tell the PCM the speed.
If it was able to be manually cycled with a Scanner then both the PCM and Reverse Lockout are working. Then again that's if it was what you heard.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 774
Likes: 380
From: Old Dominion - VA
This does not make any sense. IF the scanner is indeed commanding the PCM to provide a ground to the solenoid....and IF what you are hearing is the solenoid making noise, yet you still cannot shift into reverse....then the problem is NOT the PCM. I would load test the PCM trigger at the solenoid connector and check for 12 volts at the solenoid connector. If all good, the problem is with the solenoid or trans.
So they misdiagnose the problem, change the wrong part, and have the audacity to tell you they are swamped and cannot fix the issue? I would get your old PCM back, and have the car towed at their expense to a trustworthy shop that knows how to troubleshoot.
So they misdiagnose the problem, change the wrong part, and have the audacity to tell you they are swamped and cannot fix the issue? I would get your old PCM back, and have the car towed at their expense to a trustworthy shop that knows how to troubleshoot.
Last edited by Davcruz; May 29, 2025 at 09:50 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 774
Likes: 380
From: Old Dominion - VA
Has the car been tuned before? You can adjust the speed at which it will enable/disable at.
If you replaced the PCM then that rules that out. VSS from the T56 is what will tell the PCM the speed.
If it was able to be manually cycled with a Scanner then both the PCM and Reverse Lockout are working. Then again that's if it was what you heard.
If you replaced the PCM then that rules that out. VSS from the T56 is what will tell the PCM the speed.
If it was able to be manually cycled with a Scanner then both the PCM and Reverse Lockout are working. Then again that's if it was what you heard.
I feel fairly certain that we heard the solenoid clicking, as I was standing next to the car, watching him enable/disable lockout and heard the click from that area as he was doing it with the scanner.
So at this point, we have replaced the PCM and the entire reverse lockout (solenoid and the detent pin housing).
We hear it actuate. Still shifts into reverse.
I am wondering if the shift gate plate or something else could cause it. I just don't know enough about the transmission working to have an idea at this point.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,422
Likes: 1,146
From: Dyer, IN
I know this is your friend's shop, but it sounds like your PCM was obviously not the culprit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 1,994
From: THE BEACH..
Reverse Lockout is a Solenoid assembly completely outside of the T56 Transmission itself so if you get it to work correctly with the Scanner, and it shifts into Reverse fine, how would it be an internal Transmission issue?
That whole process literally rules out the Transmission.
So the problem remains with a new PCM, and new Lockout Solenoid assembly. The Lockout Solenoid works with a Scanner and not with the PCM, that tells me the circuit is working fine.
Only thing left is the tune so if the new PCM was tuned check that section of the tune.
On another note I don't understand how some of you people out there can literally throw money, parts, and time at a vehicle when those parts are working fine..
That whole process literally rules out the Transmission.
So the problem remains with a new PCM, and new Lockout Solenoid assembly. The Lockout Solenoid works with a Scanner and not with the PCM, that tells me the circuit is working fine.
Only thing left is the tune so if the new PCM was tuned check that section of the tune.
On another note I don't understand how some of you people out there can literally throw money, parts, and time at a vehicle when those parts are working fine..
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 774
Likes: 380
From: Old Dominion - VA
That's the way it is supposed to work. When you activate/enable/energize the solenoid with a scanner, the PCM provides a ground to the solenoid, and you can shift into reverse. The PCM enables this function below 5 mph. Above 5 mph, the PCM de-energizes the solenoid, preventing you from shifting into reverse.
So you are saying they confirmed there is no ground present until the PCM provides a ground to the circuit? If you have 12volts and a ground (that can be switched on/off with the scanner), then the problem is with the solenoid or trans......
So the PCM was bad for the reverse lockout function, and it was replaced, but you still have the same problem..... I know this is your friend's shop, but it sounds like your PCM was obviously not the culprit.
So you are saying they confirmed there is no ground present until the PCM provides a ground to the circuit? If you have 12volts and a ground (that can be switched on/off with the scanner), then the problem is with the solenoid or trans......
So the PCM was bad for the reverse lockout function, and it was replaced, but you still have the same problem.....
I know this is your friend's shop, but it sounds like your PCM was obviously not the culprit.The 2 wire circuit (12 V and common) that feeds the solenoid is good now. 1 side has 12 V, the other has common and the common makes and breaks as it should when operated by the scanner, we can hear the solenoid working.
I agree, we have another problem now and I do not believe it is the solenoid.
Thanks for your replys and interest.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 774
Likes: 380
From: Old Dominion - VA
Reverse Lockout is a Solenoid assembly completely outside of the T56 Transmission itself so if you get it to work correctly with the Scanner, and it shifts into Reverse fine, how would it be an internal Transmission issue?
That whole process literally rules out the Transmission.
So the problem remains with a new PCM, and new Lockout Solenoid assembly. The Lockout Solenoid works with a Scanner and not with the PCM, that tells me the circuit is working fine.
Only thing left is the tune so if the new PCM was tuned check that section of the tune.
On another note I don't understand how some of you people out there can literally throw money, parts, and time at a vehicle when those parts are working fine..
That whole process literally rules out the Transmission.
So the problem remains with a new PCM, and new Lockout Solenoid assembly. The Lockout Solenoid works with a Scanner and not with the PCM, that tells me the circuit is working fine.
Only thing left is the tune so if the new PCM was tuned check that section of the tune.
On another note I don't understand how some of you people out there can literally throw money, parts, and time at a vehicle when those parts are working fine..
I will contact the tuner and ask about the tune and reverse lockout but I feel that is not a likely culprit, or at least low probability. However I am open to all suggestions.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 774
Likes: 380
From: Old Dominion - VA
So just thinking this out, not sure how it could be in the tune if the solenoid is engaging and disengaging from the scanner. I will still ask the tuner. Also, full disclosure, I did not test drive the car, only used the scanner to test the operation. So maybe I should do that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 1,994
From: THE BEACH..
The both of us said it above, in the computer programming you can adjust when you want the solenoid to engage and disengage, it works off of speed. Under 5mph it's disengaged and you can shift into Reverse. Above 5mph it blocks you out.
With the scanner and the car sitting still you are manually commanding it so you are hooked to the computer and telling the computer to engage or disengage it.
So by doing so, you literally just tested every component and got it to work and the circuit is clearly working fine.
At this point the only remaining factors are the tune because some people who tune don't know what they are doing and mess with settings and then we get problems like this, or you have no vehicle speed input into the computer so it won't disengage on the side of safety.
If you've had the car this long you would notice the speedometer not working so that probably rules out the latter.
At this point I really don't know how else to explain it either you get it or you don't.
With the scanner and the car sitting still you are manually commanding it so you are hooked to the computer and telling the computer to engage or disengage it.
So by doing so, you literally just tested every component and got it to work and the circuit is clearly working fine.
At this point the only remaining factors are the tune because some people who tune don't know what they are doing and mess with settings and then we get problems like this, or you have no vehicle speed input into the computer so it won't disengage on the side of safety.
If you've had the car this long you would notice the speedometer not working so that probably rules out the latter.
At this point I really don't know how else to explain it either you get it or you don't.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,422
Likes: 1,146
From: Dyer, IN
The both of us said it above, in the computer programming you can adjust when you want the solenoid to engage and disengage, it works off of speed. Under 5mph it's disengaged and you can shift into Reverse. Above 5mph it blocks you out.
With the scanner and the car sitting still you are manually commanding it so you are hooked to the computer and telling the computer to engage or disengage it.
So by doing so, you literally just tested every component and got it to work and the circuit is clearly working fine.
At this point the only remaining factors are the tune because some people who tune don't know what they are doing and mess with settings and then we get problems like this, or you have no vehicle speed input into the computer so it won't disengage on the side of safety.
If you've had the car this long you would notice the speedometer not working so that probably rules out the latter.
At this point I really don't know how else to explain it either you get it or you don't.
With the scanner and the car sitting still you are manually commanding it so you are hooked to the computer and telling the computer to engage or disengage it.
So by doing so, you literally just tested every component and got it to work and the circuit is clearly working fine.
At this point the only remaining factors are the tune because some people who tune don't know what they are doing and mess with settings and then we get problems like this, or you have no vehicle speed input into the computer so it won't disengage on the side of safety.
If you've had the car this long you would notice the speedometer not working so that probably rules out the latter.
At this point I really don't know how else to explain it either you get it or you don't.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 774
Likes: 380
From: Old Dominion - VA
I will reach out to the tuner and I will also test drive the car. As lucky stated, hearing it click may not mean actual function. Any suggestion to test function other than removing the assembly and watching it engage/disengage?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 774
Likes: 380
From: Old Dominion - VA
The both of us said it above, in the computer programming you can adjust when you want the solenoid to engage and disengage, it works off of speed. Under 5mph it's disengaged and you can shift into Reverse. Above 5mph it blocks you out.
With the scanner and the car sitting still you are manually commanding it so you are hooked to the computer and telling the computer to engage or disengage it.
So by doing so, you literally just tested every component and got it to work and the circuit is clearly working fine.
At this point the only remaining factors are the tune because some people who tune don't know what they are doing and mess with settings and then we get problems like this, or you have no vehicle speed input into the computer so it won't disengage on the side of safety.
If you've had the car this long you would notice the speedometer not working so that probably rules out the latter.
At this point I really don't know how else to explain it either you get it or you don't.
With the scanner and the car sitting still you are manually commanding it so you are hooked to the computer and telling the computer to engage or disengage it.
So by doing so, you literally just tested every component and got it to work and the circuit is clearly working fine.
At this point the only remaining factors are the tune because some people who tune don't know what they are doing and mess with settings and then we get problems like this, or you have no vehicle speed input into the computer so it won't disengage on the side of safety.
If you've had the car this long you would notice the speedometer not working so that probably rules out the latter.
At this point I really don't know how else to explain it either you get it or you don't.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 1,994
From: THE BEACH..
Yes, checking it mechanically in your hand isn't a bad idea but if you can get it to work with the scanner and shift into Reverse fine, it's all working.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,422
Likes: 1,146
From: Dyer, IN
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 1,994
From: THE BEACH..
Here's the way to test it..
Put the scanner on the car, get driving about 10mph. Using the scanner command the Reverse Lockout Solenoid OFF. Push the Shifter over all the way gently to see if it's blocked. Not over and up into Reverse, just over into that gate. You'll know if it's in 5/6 or the Reverse Gate. You dont need the Clutch in to do this, just horizontal movement.
Do that, then command the Solenoid ON and see if there's a difference. Do this a few times it'll take two people or you can do it on your own if you're confident.
Put the scanner on the car, get driving about 10mph. Using the scanner command the Reverse Lockout Solenoid OFF. Push the Shifter over all the way gently to see if it's blocked. Not over and up into Reverse, just over into that gate. You'll know if it's in 5/6 or the Reverse Gate. You dont need the Clutch in to do this, just horizontal movement.
Do that, then command the Solenoid ON and see if there's a difference. Do this a few times it'll take two people or you can do it on your own if you're confident.