Although it may be more common for people to drive around in automatic transmission vehicles, many still enjoy the excitement that comes with manual control. However, it doesn’t come with its own shortcomings to climb over.
One hurdle you may experience with a manual transmission is the gear sticking in reverse. It can happen to any vehicle, and the issues behind it range from something simple to something that may be a bit more time-consuming (and costly) to correct.
If you find that your car is stuck in reverse, it’s important not to panic. All you need to do is take a step back to figure out the problem and go on from there.
There are a handful of culprits behind a car sticking in reverse:
In many cases, the most minor thing can completely throw off your transmission when it comes to shifting the gears. An issue that can pop up is that the gears have become misaligned or damaged. When it comes to the reversing process, this complication can make the gears stick because, in order to reverse, the gears must move in the opposite direction. A problem with the gearbox can hinder that from happening.
For reverse to work, the clutch cable needs to be able to extend the right way. If it’s not extending, this may be because it has rusted over or has a thick layer of grime that damages it. Also, the clutch cable can naturally wear out over time.
If a gear is sticking, the cause behind it might be sitting right in front of you: the gearstick. The shifter could simply be stuck in place.
Sometimes, a car stuck in reverse might be an issue with the overall transmission. A good step to take before contacting a professional is to check out your transmission fluids.
You should check the fluids regularly to keep the car’s components, especially the engine, running smoothly. If the fluid is contaminated or leaking, it can lead to issues with the gears shifting properly. Always change out the fluids, more so if your issues are occurring often in the winter.
For those of you that are unsure about how to do this, there are thorough instructions found online that can help walk you through the process.
To find the solution to your transmission issue, it requires narrowing down the problem with the reverse gear sticking.
So, let’s tackle the possible issues we discussed in the previous section and what you can do at home to correct the problem:
If you discovered that there’s an issue with the gearbox, you should open the transmission box to get a closer look. A simple misalignment may only require you to tap it back into place with a tool like a hammer.
A worn-out cable is another simple issue you can manage right in your own garage. You can purchase a replacement part, and if you know what you’re doing, you can change it out yourself. Replacements are readily found online or you can always check in with your local auto shop.
This isn’t always an issue you can solve at home, but you can attempt a temporary fix by removing the top part of the shifter and forcing the gearstick to move. However, it may not last, so you want to keep an eye on the situation in this case.
There’s no single issue behind a gear shift being stuck in reverse since a number of different components can contribute to the problem. That’s why it’s vital to check your car, especially your transmission fluids, prior to making any sort of repairs.
Some of these problems can be solved in the comfort of your own garage. However, there are cases in which the problem is simply too vast and it’ll be best to contact a professional to get the job done. This is more likely to happen concerning the gearbox or the gearshift itself sticking.
No matter the problem, it’s important to resolve it as soon as possible before further damage is done to your vehicle.
Find more info on these related posts:
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How To Adjust Shift Linkage In An Automatic Transmission
