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Cannot select reverse gear

All of a sudden I cannot get the gear stick to move into reverse or park.

The stick will move ok between neutral, 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears but will not go past neutral?

Can anyone suggest what is causing this?

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The Shifter interlock may be the cause as well as a Cable that isn't properly positioned.

From under the car if you disconnect the cable off the shifter arm, and can manually detent the selector then your issue is the shifter, cable or interlock. Usually it isn't the cable.  to go from 1-2-D doesn't require you pressing the buttons, but going from 1-2-D-N to Reverse does, and on later cars 91.5 you have to tap the brakes as there is a interlock dependent on your foot being on the brake, have you check that switch as well?  Do your brake lights work?

If your handle is bad then that can cause this type of issue have you taken the handle off to make sure that if you push the black plastic button on the top of the rod down you can shift it into place?

Lastly is this a 91.5 or later?  there are 2 shift lock solenoids, and a relay that can be a bother.  The relay is on the back of the knee-bar.

I bet it is with the button or that your interlock is detented or holing the shifter from going in to reverse.

my 2 cents.

What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

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I have the rear tail lights off the car at the minute as well as the instrument cluster and most of the switches off the dashboard.  From your answer I suspect that the problem is brake light related.

I will install the instrument cluster and dashboard switches etc and I then think the gear shifter will then work properly again.  Thank you for your help.

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I have fitted a new brake light switch and installed the instrument cluster that i had removed.  I can only select N, 1 and 2 gears.  The brakelights are working fine.

I cannot select R or P.

Has anyone any ideas?

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Make sure your shifter cable is adjusted properly.
It is a wonky thing, and I have never liked it.

Loosen the cable adjuster so the cable can move in the adjuster barrel.
Place the lever in Park.
Now the Cable shift arm has to be fully to the fender side of the car prior to adjusting the barrel clamp.
Tighten the cable.

Now validate that you can move the full range from P to 1. one step at a time.

Last edit: by Briano1234


What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?
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