The transmission is one of the most crucial parts of any vehicle. A motor vehicle cannot be driven if the gears are not operating correctly. Yet occasionally, you can encounter a problem that makes one or more gears stop working.
It’s simple to take the reverse gear, particularly, for granted. We just put the car in “reverse” and drive away when we wish to back out of a driveway or parking spot.
You need reverse gear for parallel parking, reversing out of your garage, and backing into parking spaces. You might not realize how frequently you use it until you can’t get the equipment to work.
Find out why your automobile won’t move into reverse if this gear stops functioning. Many motorists prefer to support into a parking space before stopping, especially auto fans. Your car will probably be stuck wherever it is parked if it stays in reverse.
You won’t have any choice but to identify and address the issue immediately, or you’ll have to call a tow truck to transport it to an auto repair or transmission repair shop.
Top 8 Reasons Your Car Won’t Go In Reverse
1. Teeth broken on reverse gear
Due to driver error or inexperienced drivers learning to use a stick shift, this happens most frequently with manual gearbox cars. You often hear loud clunks or clicking noises when you try to shift into reverse. Unfortunately, this cannot be fixed quickly; the transmission must be removed, and new gear must be installed.
2. Incorrect lockout ring
A lockout ring’s function is to stop you from inadvertently shifting into reverse while the automobile moves forward (which would be extremely dangerous and cause severe transmission damage). Even at a complete stop, you might only be able to shift into reverse if the lockout ring is intact or in the right place.
3. Inadequate transmission fluid
If your transmission fluid level is low, your car can have difficulty going in reverse. Gear slippage, shifting issues, and overheating gears are just a few gear-related problems that can arise from low transmission fluid. If your transmission lacks fluid to lubricate and keep the internal gears and components cool, your reverse gear may have been damaged by overheating.
If the transmission fluid is low, top it off and check for any indications of a leak to see if that resolves the issue. You will likely have trouble changing into other gears with low fluid. So, it is still worthwhile to check the fluid level even if your automobile otherwise usually operates but won’t go in reverse. But the real issue is something else.
4. Transposition position sensor in error
It’s sometimes preferable to start there. When you use the shift lever to put an automatic transmission car into reverse, an electrical sensor signals the powertrain control module that the transmission has to be put into reverse. This sensor could prevent the vehicle from shifting into reverse if it starts to malfunction or fail.
It could frequently put the car in limp mode, making it impossible to change out of third gear. To validate the problem, search for a check engine light and any associated fault codes using a car diagnostic tool.
5. Deteriorated valve body
A valve body is a component of every automatic transmission. This substantial labyrinthine component routes the hydraulic fluid’s passage to the valves. Because of this, an automobile can seamlessly change gears whenever the situation necessitates it.
When a transmission valve body is damaged, shifting into reverse may be delayed or not occur after shifting into reverse and applying the gas.
6. Error-prone shifter mechanism
A shifter issue is typical to a fault when your manual gearbox car won’t go into reverse and is challenging to shift. The shifter may occasionally require a lot of effort to engage in reverse or feel something is preventing it.
The shifter linkage or wires are typically the sources of the issue because something is bent or broken. The shifter bushings on some cars are at blame, and changing them is an innovative first (and affordable) step in resolving the problem.
7. A dirty filter or transmission fluid
A vehicle’s ability to shift into reverse or other gears may occasionally be hampered by the transmission fluid polluted by enough hardened deposits or other debris. Although it’s a rare problem, changing the transmission fluid and filter (if your car has one) is an affordable solution.
To determine whether your transmission fluid needs replenishment, check its condition. Even if it doesn’t resolve the reverse gear issue, you might have avoided more severe transmission issues in the future.
8. Transmission range sensor
The transmission range sensor monitors this crucial component’s speed. This information aids the computer in determining which gear should be engaged and is used to control shifting pressure during gear changes.
A lousy sensor could prevent the system from knowing when to switch to reverse. Also, it could make it challenging to move into other gears, particularly those above third.
How To Fix A Car That Won’t Go In Reverse
Even if you are not a trained technician, you can still diagnose and fix your car as we do. These are some guidelines to remember.
1. Check the level of the transmission fluid
With the majority of car models, checking the gearbox fluid is simple. Nonetheless, we advise consulting a repair manual for the specific model of your vehicle. With most car models, here’s how to check the transmission fluid.
- Put the parking brake on and position the car somewhere flat.
- Start the car’s engine, then let it idle for a while. Remain in Neutral or Park using the shifter. Go to your owner’s handbook to confirm whether your vehicle needs the engine off to perform the check.
- Take the fluid dipstick out. It frequently lies close to where the transmission and the back of the engine connect. Be careful; the substance can be heated.
- In a fit of fury, wipe the dipstick off and re-insert it.
- See the indications about the fluid level after you remove it once more.
- You must add more liquid if the Full Warmline is not reached.
2. Read codes from TCM
DTCs can be read from the Transmission Control Module by some code scanners (TCM). If you have one, connect it to the OBDII port and check if any codes can help you identify the issue. Some codes are generic, while others will specify the specific problem. They are using our collection of trouble codes to decipher the data.
3. Flush transmission fluid
A flush could be beneficial if you discovered that the transmission fluid appeared stale or burned. Indeed sealed transmissions can only be serviced by a dealer, and not all manufacturers advise flushing. Before continuing:
- Check the owner’s manual for that information.
- Make sure you have all of the necessary supplies on hand before changing the fluid.
- Remember to transport the liquid to where it may be appropriately disposed of.
This service is provided gratis in a lot of car parts retailers.
4. Check data from gear level and transmission range sensors
You can also verify the data on the various sensors using your suitable code scanner. To determine if there is a problem, compare the readings to the information in the factory service manual. One of these sensors might be merely polluted. You ought to be able to clear it off and reinstall it if that is the case.
5. Examine the cables and shifter mechanism
The shifter mechanism and cable may need to be adjusted if your automobile has a manual transmission. You can find the procedures to accomplish this in your service handbook.
It would help if you also inspected the clutch. The grip is likely the issue if you can put your car in reverse while it’s off but not off. Thankfully, replacing a clutch is more superficial than fixing a transmission.
6. Contact a professional
You can be an expert in transmissions. Some of the information and steps we supplied may need more to handle. Call a professional if you require additional assistance with any of these tasks or making a repair. You can be confident that the job was done correctly by spending extra money.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Transmission?
Depending on the task at hand. Compared to replacing the transmission, adding more fluid costs you $10 to $25. Start with a professional diagnosis to avoid replacing components that are still functional.
What Are The Signs Of Low Transmission Fluid?
Strange noises could be heard significantly when shifts change. A burning odor or fluid spilling under the car are some possibilities. Gears eventually begin to slip or stop working altogether. The dash will display the Check Engine Light or the transmission warning signal whenever the condition worsens.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t keep driving if your automobile didn’t shift into reverse. It’s crucial to have the issue examined soon away. Otherwise, you might have to pay astronomical engine or gearbox repair costs.
There’s a strong chance the issue is minor, and you can fix it without spending much money. But if you put it off, you won’t get the chance. The problems will only worsen, costing you more money in repairs and preventing you from driving to more locations because you need reverse gear.
