Reverse is very difficult
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Reverse is very difficult
What would be the most likely cause of the fact that I suddenly need two hands to move the shift lever far enough to the right to move it up into Reverse?
(other than my name is Samson and I just left Delilah's place)
(other than my name is Samson and I just left Delilah's place)
Last edited by bcwhitaker; Jan 27, 2013 at 04:34 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 763
Likes: 2
I scratched my head over this for a while after bolting the shifter back in and testing the gates without even the battery connected. I was so confused, haha.
This is like when you go to take the rear rotors off and forget to let the parking brake down.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 18
From: Tampa FL (formerly Justinjor)
Tech Contributor
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
Yep, if the car is off, lockout is engage(you can't go into reverse). I've seen about 3 of these threads pop up in the last week or so. 
It should be a sticky
It should be a sticky
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Well, it's just as difficult for me whether the power is on or off; although after a bowl of Wheaties, I find I can actually get it into reverse with one hand (but my wife wouldn't be able to).
Also, for what it's worth, I'm getting a "Service Traction System" message.
Also, for what it's worth, I'm getting a "Service Traction System" message.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 18
From: Tampa FL (formerly Justinjor)
Tech Contributor
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 763
Likes: 2
Avoiding the innuendo is taking a lot.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 763
Likes: 2
Or...
It could be that the connection between the shifter box and the rod that goes back to the tranny has slipped. The first thing to do is to make sure that the shifter box and the rod are properly aligned and that the connection isn't slipping. This costs nothing but an hour of time and will (at the least) eliminate one possible cause.
The fact that you are using two hands to force things only ups the liklihood of getting that connection out of alignment.
Z//
It could be that the connection between the shifter box and the rod that goes back to the tranny has slipped. The first thing to do is to make sure that the shifter box and the rod are properly aligned and that the connection isn't slipping. This costs nothing but an hour of time and will (at the least) eliminate one possible cause.
The fact that you are using two hands to force things only ups the liklihood of getting that connection out of alignment.
Z//
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,694
Likes: 106
Mine too, if forward gears are okay. If shifter was misaligned, he'd be having trouble with all gears, not just reverse. And yes, the reverse lockout can be defeated, but remember the shifter has a lot of plastic parts. Even forcing it once or twice could add play to it, and that wouldn't be good. Just get it replaced, but before doing that, try shifting into reverse once removed. If it goes in, you'd know the problem with 100% certainty 
. Plus I'd remove the shift box and make sure it wasn't messed up. And align it correctly afterwards (tightening collar bolt LAST). Good luck.
. Plus I'd remove the shift box and make sure it wasn't messed up. And align it correctly afterwards (tightening collar bolt LAST). Good luck.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
(sorry)
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
My 2005 never went into reverse easily. I dismissed it as the trans needed breaking in. This was with the car running or not. I realigned the shifter a dozen times, bought 2 shifters to replace the stocker and even had the trans rebuilt by cartek. Nothing fixed it in 7 years. To get into reverse I had to first shift to 3rd then reverse. The solenoid didnt fix it for me. I sold it and it went away with the new owner aware of it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 876
Likes: 116
From: HOMESTEAD FL
Mine does this every now and then... I have found that when this happens all I need to do is I apply pressure on the shifter in reverse and slowly raise up on the clutch... There is a spot where the shifter drops right into Reveres as I raise the clutch... Not sure if this would work for everyone but it works for me...
I have a problem with it Grinding reverse every now and then... Dealership claims there is nothing wrong with it... I dont buy it. I have never had a car that did this so frequently.
Anyway, give that a shot and let us know if it works or not...
SPEED SAFE, NICK
I have a problem with it Grinding reverse every now and then... Dealership claims there is nothing wrong with it... I dont buy it. I have never had a car that did this so frequently.
Anyway, give that a shot and let us know if it works or not...
SPEED SAFE, NICK
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,694
Likes: 106
That's of no help man; the solenoid is locking reverse when not powered. That's why I said you need to remove the solenoid altogether. It's at the top of the transmission; look for pictures here. I just saw one recently, but don't remember where.
Want to clarify something. Reverse is sometimes hard to engage, BUT this is when we are already into the reverse gate, and can't move the lever forward into reverse. The reverse lockout solenoid prevents you from getting past the 5-6 gearshift plane. Maybe the OP needs to make sure his issue is the latter, and not the former. I always shift into other gears before trying to engage reverse, and it usually works. Sometimes it needs a little shove, but it's minor. And no grinding whatsoever. It shouldn't be any. And remember to fully clutch for that, and to avoid the 2nd grind too. Good luck.
Want to clarify something. Reverse is sometimes hard to engage, BUT this is when we are already into the reverse gate, and can't move the lever forward into reverse. The reverse lockout solenoid prevents you from getting past the 5-6 gearshift plane. Maybe the OP needs to make sure his issue is the latter, and not the former. I always shift into other gears before trying to engage reverse, and it usually works. Sometimes it needs a little shove, but it's minor. And no grinding whatsoever. It shouldn't be any. And remember to fully clutch for that, and to avoid the 2nd grind too. Good luck.
