Joey41920

Hey Everyone,

This is my first Corvette and I have had it since Feb. I was driving the other day and went to shift into 5th gear and felt the shifter slip further to the right than where 5th is (close to reverse). I put it in 5th then shifted to 6th. Out of curiousity, I slowed back down to 4th gear, went to shift to 5th and then felt the shifter slip past 5th again (towards reverse). It has done this a few times now in the past few weeks but the majority of the time it will (not lock me out of reverse). Does this sound like a reverse lockout solenoid going bad?

Thanks for your help!

-Joey

RicK T

Maybe.

Since it's easy to do, I suggest checking the Reverse Lockout fuse in the engine compartment. It's #13, 25 amp. Frankly I don't know if a blown fuse would cause your symptoms but like I said it's easy to check.

If that's okay then I have this thread to offer on DIY replacement of the Reverse Lockout solenoid:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-solenoid.html

torquetube

It sounds like a gear selector with worn-out bushings.

You could safely test the lockout by trying to select reverse at, say, 3mph. Mine won't disengage unless the car is at a dead stop.

JCtx

Reverse is normally locked out (you cannot select R with engine off), and ECM only energizes the solenoid below 3 mph. So it's unlikely to be the solenoid IMO, since it's obviously working if you're able to shift into R at all. So definitely a different issue.

I'd start by checking the shift box and shift rod collar. If they look good, tighten all 3 T-40 bolts to 22 ft/lbs and hope that was the problem. The shift box is relatively cheap, by the way. And wears out over time, due to plastic parts. But I like it . Good luck.

Joey41920

I checked the fuse with an Ohm-meter and am getting 0.3 Ohms so the fuse is good to go. Thanks for the link to the DIY, I will probably end up trying this since it isn't that expensive to replace.


I tried this and 3 out of 5 times it locked me out, the other 2 it let me slip the shift lever over towards reverse.

I didn't know about reverse lockout with the engine off so I tried this and I can put my car in reverse with the engine off. I will check those bolts though and see if that helps. The problem with this issue is that it is intermittent so it is hard to troubleshoot.

I appreciate you guys helping me out!

BadSalad

Had same issue with mine (2006) a few years ago. Intermittent at first & became more consistent. It was lock out solenoid GM part# 12523300. Located near top of trans.Mine was still under warranty & dealer fixed. But have read if your hands are small enough that it’s possible to change without lowering the trans.

Joey41920

Cool, thanks BadSalad. Sadly, mine is not under warranty but I will try to replace it myself. I will let you all know if this fixes it.

JCtx

Just to make sure it's the solenoid, disconnect it first. If you cannot engage reverse, then you might have an electrical issue. If you can, then it's going to be the solenoid for sure. Check the wires/harness and connectors too. Good luck.

TMyers

Actually this is how it works, from the 2008 service manual.

In the OFF state, meaning the solenoid is off it is supplied battery power, 12 volts. This happens when the car is off or on and under 2 miles an hour.

In the ON state, meaning the solenoid is on, you have an open circuit, 0 volts. The car is on and exceeding 2 mph. The command for this is provided by the ECM.

unethikl

Sorry for the resurrection, but did you get your problem fixed?
My 2007 is doing this and its driving me nuts.
So is it the reverse solenoid for sure? Or should I check elsewhere first?

1972bluelt1

So I understand this correctly. With the engine off, I should be able to shift into rev and it is only locked out with the engine running and the car exceeding 2 mph?