Problem engaging reverse gear

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chilipalmer

New member
Joined
Mar 14, 2012
Messages
292
My car has developed yet another problem:

Lately i've been having a bit of a hard time engaging reverse. Doesn't happen every time but in these last 2 days it has been happening more frequently. It doesn't grind or anything, it just wont go into place. All the other gears work fine. Any ideas as to why this is happening?
 
The most common causes of this problem:
1) Check that the oil level is up to the correct level in the gearbox. If its low it will make engaging reverse difficult.
2) Bleed the clutch , as air in the system will prevent the clutch disengaging fully.
 
Reverse is the only gear that's not part of the synchromesh which is why the rest are probably ok.

It's worth keeping the clutch in mind to as difficulty selecting 1st or 5th can be an indication of wear from memory.
 
One of the selector connecters slightly loose?

Think if the clutch was an issue it would maybe affect all gears rather than just reverse?
 
Most things I've read indicates the clutch for issues selecting reverse, I've not had any personal experience though.

I do agree that you could check the linkages etc to ensure smooth operation.
 
my first toughts are to the clutch... either airm, or worn..

have you tryed relesing the brake, and re pressing the clutch to se if it engages easyer then? I can't find the words to describe corectley, but the theori then is thtat the gears are "sticking" together under load, and releasing the brake in nevtral then frees them up so it can engage, I have experiensed this a few times, mostley if the car is parked on a hill thoug, but on ocation on flat ground to.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone.


One question: how do I check the oil level in the gearbox?
 
Cartman said:
my first toughts are to the clutch... either airm, or worn..

have you tryed relesing the brake, and re pressing the clutch to se if it engages easyer then? I can't find the words to describe corectley, but the theori then is thtat the gears are "sticking" together under load, and releasing the brake in nevtral then frees them up so it can engage, I have experiensed this a few times, mostley if the car is parked on a hill thoug, but on ocation on flat ground to.
Click to expand...


I've never tried doing that but one guy who owns a Ford Escort told me to put the car in 3rd gear before moving the stick to the reverse position. He says some Ford gearboxes have a certain quirkiness to them. Quirkiness or not his suggestion worked perfectly until yesterday when I had to try 5 times to engage reverse and today the same thing happened (mind you, sometimes it engages without a hitch). I'll try your suggestion today Cartman.
 
My puma can be a little strange about going into reverse. Gearstick appears to be in place but when you start lifting the clutch you can hear it grinding trying to find the gear. I usually keep a little gentle pressure on the stick, lift my foot slowly, if it starts grinding just pop the clutch back in and the gearstick pops into place properly. Sometimes get a cheeky wee crunch from her, but seeing at theres no synchos there it doesn't worry me.
 
ArtfulHussy said:
My puma can be a little strange about going into reverse. Gearstick appears to be in place but when you start lifting the clutch you can hear it grinding trying to find the gear. I usually keep a little gentle pressure on the stick, lift my foot slowly, if it starts grinding just pop the clutch back in and the gearstick pops into place properly. Sometimes get a cheeky wee crunch from her, but seeing at theres no synchos there it doesn't worry me.
Click to expand...


Same thing happens to me. When engaging other gears there's no problem and there's no clutch slip (I've tested it)...
 
chilipalmer said:
Thanks for the replies everyone.


One question: how do I check the oil level in the gearbox?
Click to expand...

There is a filler hole on the front of the box maybe an 8mm allen key.

I have read conflicting things so take your pick
1) fill gearbox till it starts to drip from filler hole
2) gearbox level should be 1cm below filler hole

On my previous Puma I used an allen key to judge if it was 1cm below the hole.
But for gods sake don't drop the allen key in the gearbox :shock:
 
quest63 said:
There is a filler hole on the front of the box maybe an 8mm allen key.

I have read conflicting things so take your pick
1) fill gearbox till it starts to drip from filler hole
2) gearbox level should be 1cm below filler hole

On my previous Puma I used an allen key to judge if it was 1cm below the hole.
But for gods sake don't drop the allen key in the gearbox :shock:
Click to expand...

Thanks mate. I think I'll have to take it to a mechanic though; I only have the standard jack so I don't feel comfy getting under the car...
 
ArtfulHussy said:
Dont need to jack it up to get to the gearbox plug.
Click to expand...

Really? Damn...

I've been looking under the car and couldn't even find the bloody thing...
 
Ok, I've tried to replicate the suggestion given by Cartman and...it worked. Took the car for a spin and reversed many times. A couple of times reverse wouldn't engage but after releasing the break it engaged immediately. Why does this happen though?
 
Because there is no synchro ring on reverse unless the gears line up they will not mesh properly...with the brakes on you are in effect holding the gears still...in the wrong place and out of line, releasing the brakes allows the gears to move a little and line themselves up and it drops into gear

Nice to know it was a simple remedy :thumbs:
 
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