Can't shift into Reverse


Jim

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 17, 2006
205
Michigan
My shifter will not shift into reverse. All other gears are OK. :confused If we fiddle with the linkage at the transmission, we can coax into reverse. Anyone had this issue? fix?

Thanks

Jim
 

jimmy_v

Member
Jul 23, 2007
7
Dallas, TX
I had the same problem with mine, Ford said it was time for a new clutch. Just got the car back last week, shifts perfect.
 

Fubar

Totally ****** Up
Mark II Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Aug 2, 2006
3,979
Dallas, TX
I had the same problem with mine, Ford said it was time for a new clutch. Just got the car back last week, shifts perfect.


How many miles ya got now?
 

jimmy_v

Member
Jul 23, 2007
7
Dallas, TX
How many miles ya got now?

Almost at 7,500
 

Empty Pockets

ex-GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Oct 18, 2006
1,362
Washington State
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh...I don't wanna sound any more "dim" than I normally do...but...WHAT th' gallopin' frog hair does the clutch have to do with not shifting into reverse IF it allows access to all the OTHER gears? Either the clutch FUNCTIONS or it doesn't. (I shouldn't think the clutch would have ANY IDEA what specific gear one may be shifting into.) :beer2: 'Sounds like a linkage issue is more likely the fly in the ointment, duzzunit?

Will sumbuddy pls clue me in here? :willy

Puzzled Pockets
 

BlackICE

GT Owner
Nov 2, 2005
1,416
SF Bay Area in California
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh...I don't wanna sound any more "dim" than I normally do...but...WHAT th' gallopin' frog hair does the clutch have to do with not shifting into reverse IF it allows access to all the OTHER gears? Either the clutch FUNCTIONS or it doesn't. (I shouldn't think the clutch would have ANY IDEA what specific gear one may be shifting into.) :beer2: 'Sounds like a linkage issue is more likely the fly in the ointment, duzzunit?

Will sumbuddy pls clue me in here? :willy

Puzzled Pockets

+1
 

paul b

GT Owner
Nov 2, 2006
810
Can you shift into reverse with the engine off? This may give a hint towards a clutch problem or linkage problem. Try basics like fluid levels in tranny and clutch.
 

shelbyelite

PERMANENTLY BANNED
May 10, 2007
1
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh...I don't wanna sound any more "dim" than I normally do...but...WHAT th' gallopin' frog hair does the clutch have to do with not shifting into reverse IF it allows access to all the OTHER gears? Either the clutch FUNCTIONS or it doesn't. (I shouldn't think the clutch would have ANY IDEA what specific gear one may be shifting into.) :beer2: 'Sounds like a linkage issue is more likely the fly in the ointment, duzzunit?

Will sumbuddy pls clue me in here? :willy

Puzzled Pockets

+2

Jimmy V, I dont think your issue was the actual clutch, even though it shifts fine now. As you said, the clutch felt normal and functioned well, you just had problems getting it to GO into first and reverse. I feel that even though your clutch was replaced and problem fixed, does not mean that while changing your clutch, they did not actually fix the other problem while it was being worked on. This is just MY OPINION for what its worth.
 

Empty Pockets

ex-GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Oct 18, 2006
1,362
Washington State
+2

I feel that even though your clutch was replaced and problem fixed, does not mean that while changing your clutch, they did not actually fix the other problem while it was being worked on.


BINGO. 'Zactly the point I was making.

I'd check the bill (especially if 'bill 'not covered on warranty) and SEE if a shifter cable (or 2) is/are included on it. If it IS, I would strongly suspect that WAS the whole dang pblm in the 1st place.)
 
Last edited:

Fubar

Totally ****** Up
Mark II Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Aug 2, 2006
3,979
Dallas, TX
I had a similar experience with my first car (a Toyota). It became difficult ti shit into certain gears and reverse was impossible. I don't remember if I tested it with the engine off.

They replaced the clutch and everything worked great!
 

shelbyelite

PERMANENTLY BANNED
May 10, 2007
1
I had a similar experience with my first car (a Toyota). It became difficult ti shit into certain gears and reverse was impossible. I don't remember if I tested it with the engine off.

They replaced the clutch and everything worked great!


Well there was your problem, you should never SH*T on the gears. Gets them all sticky and smelly....... :rofl
 

dandaman

GT Owner
Apr 8, 2007
113
Tyler, Tx
I would have to agree with Shelby on that one.
 

tmcphail

GT Owner/Vendor
Mark IV Lifetime
Apr 24, 2006
4,103
St Augustine, Florida
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh...I don't wanna sound any more "dim" than I normally do...but...WHAT th' gallopin' frog hair does the clutch have to do with not shifting into reverse IF it allows access to all the OTHER gears? Either the clutch FUNCTIONS or it doesn't. (I shouldn't think the clutch would have ANY IDEA what specific gear one may be shifting into.) :beer2: 'Sounds like a linkage issue is more likely the fly in the ointment, duzzunit?

Will sumbuddy pls clue me in here? :willy

Puzzled Pockets

If you are in a situation where the clutch will not disengage completely this will make it difficult to engage first or reverse without moving in either direction.

How does one know this is the case ? If your sitting still on a flat surface with your foot off the brake and the clutch pedal on the floor engage first gear. Does the vehicle start rolling forward ? If yes then its a clutch or hydraulic clutch system issue.
 

Jim

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 17, 2006
205
Michigan
It has 2100 miles on it and yes, it has the same issue whether it's running or not. The clutch feels fine. The shifter arm, at the transmission where it attaches to the up-down rod has a roll pin and there is "play" or rather "slop" in that connection so I plan to pull the shifter cover off and put new roll pins in to tighten up that joint.

Thanks for the responses - I love this Forum!

Jim
 

Fubar

Totally ****** Up
Mark II Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Aug 2, 2006
3,979
Dallas, TX
It was a toyota. What did you expect?
 

kumar

GT Owner
Jan 31, 2007
1,011
Dallas
just makre sure and check if something is rubbing on the linkage

thats what happened to mine when i had my pulled installed and the installer left some bolts on the airbox off.