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My wife’s 2012 suddenly had an issue with not being able to move the shifter through the reverse gate. I could force it through the gate, but it was definitely a new problem. Checked fuses and everything looked ok. Ordered a new reverse lockout solenoid and went through the fun over the weekend to swap it out. Still can’t go through the reverse gate. Bench tested the old solenoid and it actuated with power applied. I am assuming an electrical issue, but wanted to check if anyone has run into this before.
Does the problem occur with the ignition on, off, or both?
The reason I ask is because the reverse solenoid is actually an enable solenoid vs a lockout solenoid. In other words, the solenoid is normally off and blocks reverse. It is energized and allows reverse only when the ignition is on and vehicle speed is less than 3mph. When speed is above 3mph with ignition on, or when the ignition is off, the solenoid is turned off and reverse is blocked. There is a short delay when you shut the car off, so you can park, shut the motor off, and still select reverse. But if you get in a car that has been sitting in any other gear and try to select reverse without starting, reverse will be blocked. It's kind of confusing, hope this makes sense.
If the solenoid is not getting power with the ignition on, you might check fuse # 13 in the under hood box, terminal D5 on connector X2 under the fuse box, and harness connector X184. Lots (most?) of electrical problems are related to corroded, loose, or otherwise bad connections.
How is your battery? I recently picked up an 08 Z and as soon as I got it of the trailer the reverse was locked out. Battery definitely needed to be replaced. Changed battery and no issues since.
Hard to get shifter through reverse gate
