Not recognizing reverse gear
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage Alaska
Not recognizing reverse gear
Hello,
I have a 2005 3LT convertible, 6-sp manual. Earlier today, I turned the car off and it would not recognize that the car was in reverse, so it would not turn off. I restarted the car, reversed the car (confirming it was in gear), and then turned off again, however it would still not recognize that the car was in reverse, so it would not turn off. Tried to work the shifter around (assuming it was a sensor that wasn't picking up the reverse), no luck. Rather than let the battery die, disconnected the terminal and now the car will not start either. Tried jumping it, but no luck. I have disconnected the battery multiple times to try and reset any electrical issue that it might be. I believe once the car knows it is in reverse, it will be able to turn off, then turn back on. Any ideas where to start? I read their are two reverse sensors on the transmission (one for column lock, another for BCM)... I cant seem to find anything writing up how to replace these, does this seem likely? Or something with the BCM? I am trying to do everything I can instead of contacting a dealer.
I have a 2005 3LT convertible, 6-sp manual. Earlier today, I turned the car off and it would not recognize that the car was in reverse, so it would not turn off. I restarted the car, reversed the car (confirming it was in gear), and then turned off again, however it would still not recognize that the car was in reverse, so it would not turn off. Tried to work the shifter around (assuming it was a sensor that wasn't picking up the reverse), no luck. Rather than let the battery die, disconnected the terminal and now the car will not start either. Tried jumping it, but no luck. I have disconnected the battery multiple times to try and reset any electrical issue that it might be. I believe once the car knows it is in reverse, it will be able to turn off, then turn back on. Any ideas where to start? I read their are two reverse sensors on the transmission (one for column lock, another for BCM)... I cant seem to find anything writing up how to replace these, does this seem likely? Or something with the BCM? I am trying to do everything I can instead of contacting a dealer.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,631
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ht-switch.html
And it is the bottom switch that you want to replace. The top one is for the ecm/back up lights isntead. Hence when you have the car in reverse and the back up lights are coming on, the top switch is fine.
And it is the bottom switch that you want to replace. The top one is for the ecm/back up lights isntead. Hence when you have the car in reverse and the back up lights are coming on, the top switch is fine.
Last edited by Dano523; Jul 14, 2016 at 03:19 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,631
Switch itself going bad is semi normal. The roller ball pushes on a contact inside the switch to close the loop, and over time the contact points get corrode/worn to not close the loop instead.
Sometimes you can work the ball in and out to get the contact to make a connection again (sealed unit, so no clean way to get into it to clean the contacts), but since the switch is so inexpensive, and you already have it in hand, easy to just install a new one isntead.
Also, double check the switches connector and the wires off it. If you have an after market exhaust system, or someone was under the car, the connector may have come unplugged or the wires burnt.
Sometimes you can work the ball in and out to get the contact to make a connection again (sealed unit, so no clean way to get into it to clean the contacts), but since the switch is so inexpensive, and you already have it in hand, easy to just install a new one isntead.
Also, double check the switches connector and the wires off it. If you have an after market exhaust system, or someone was under the car, the connector may have come unplugged or the wires burnt.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 2
From: BRANDENBURG KY
Purchase a new one and it will quit acting up lol!! I bought the switch for my car when i noticed it was stubborn to sense reverse and shut off right after i bought the car, i bought the switch, never had a chance to install it and have been driving the car for the last year and have never once had the issue again. Apparently the new part in my toolbox scared the car into behaving! 
