You need a reverse gear to park in any space that is backwards, back out of your garage, and to parallel park.
You may not think much of using the reverse gear until it won’t work. When that happens, you have to determine why your car isn’t going into Reverse.
This guide provides the top reasons you could be experiencing this so you can determine what is going on. Then we will also provide you with guidance on how to troubleshoot and fix the issue before we summarize some important questions that you may have.
Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Go In Reverse
Depending on whether you drive an automatic or manual car, the fluid could be low or dirty, the shift solenoid could be bad, a sensor could have failed, or there is a faulty valve body.
It could also be the bad gear shifter mechanism, a shifter cable, broken gear teeth, or a bad clutch.
By going through each potential reason, you can see where yours falls in.
#1. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid Level (Automatic).
If you own and drive an automatic transmission vehicle, the fluid is critical to everything operating properly.
It not only needs to lubricate the transmission, but also keep the parts from creating unnecessary friction. When the fluid level gets low enough, the transmission may not even be able to shift into Reverse. You will also most likely feel it struggling to even get into any gear.
Lastly, the transmission is a sealed system, so you should not be low on fluid. Consider that you most likely have a leak that will need to be fixed. Fluid can leak out of the pump, or any one of the hoses.
Also, contaminated fluid can be just as harmful as low fluid levels. If the fluid has been burnt or simply old, it cannot provide support for the gears to shift – that’s why you may have difficulty shifting into Reverse.
#2. Bad Shift Solenoid (Automatic).
A faulty shift solenoid can affect upshifting as well as Reverse, but it’s also possible to have Reverse issues only. In fact, this is a common issue with the FNR5 transmission.
The transmission shift solenoids control fluid flow, and when they start to fail, you may notice difficulty with Reverse, or have delayed shifting and shifting patterns that do not make sense.
#3. Transmission Range Sensor (Automatic).
The transmission range sensor measures the speed of this important part. It regulates shifting pressure during a gear change and assists the computer in selecting the correct gear to engage.
A bad sensor might keep the system from knowing how to go into Reverse, as well as creating a problem getting into other gears, particularly over third.
#4. Gear Lever Sensor (Automatic).
The sensor helps determine what gear the shifter is in. The shifter must be in Park or Neutral to start the car, hence the lever sensor.
If the sensor is faulty, the car could fail to shift into Reverse, or could shift into a gear you’re not choosing. The data may not transfer and the car may not start at all, if the sensor does not indicate the car is in Park or Neutral.
#5. Faulty Valve Body (Automatic).
In an automatic transmission, the valve body is used to redirect hydraulic fluid to the valves. The valve body looks like something of a maze, and will push fluid through the appropriate set of passageways when the time comes to shift. If there is some blockage, the shifting will be delayed or erratic.
Most likely, you’ll see a problem across the board with shifting. However, some valve bodies have a reverse-inhibit feature that is affecting only the Reverse gear.
We have seen this a couple different ways on the JF506 transmission, and similarly with the GM 5L40 transmissions.
#6. Faulty Gear Shifter Mechanism (Manual).
Manual cars have shifter mechanisms that are not the same as for an automatic vehicle. The shift linkages connect the transmission and gear shifter. The shift linkage can become misadjusted or can be malfunctioning in a manual vehicle.
Fortunately, some of the shifter mechanisms are adjustable. We’ll cover those procedures in a moment. It can completely fail because it has become worn or broken.
#7. Faulty Shifter Cables (Manual).
Another part that may need adjustment is the shifter cable. If the shifter cable becomes stretched and therefore needs to be replaced, you may hear a grinding noise.
You’ll know the cable is stretched by the amount of play in the shifter itself. If the horizontal cable snaps, you will not be able to shift. If the vertical cable snaps, you will typically only be able to get into a couple of gears, typically third and fourth.
#8. Bad Clutch (Manual).
The clutch may also be the issue, but you would probably have more symptoms (for instance, all shifts become difficult).
You may also hear a grinding sound when shifting and when the clutch begins to smell. A soft spongy feeling in the clutch pedal should be a warning sign that something is wrong. Manual transmissions will last 100,000 miles + if you take it easy on the clutch.
#9. Broken Teeth on Reverse Gear (Manual).
The Reverse gear can break. While it’s not as likely as other scenarios, you want to make sure you don’t rule it out.
Wear on the gears is the typical reason for gear failure. When this happens, the car will go in any and every other gear, but just won’t go in Reverse. In fact, the transmission will continue to work just like normal, aside from Reverse.
How To Fix A Car That Won’t Go In Reverse
You can diagnose and fix a car just like we do, even if you’re not a professional mechanic. Just follow these steps!
#1. Check The Transmission Fluid Levels.
Checking most car models’ transmission fluid is simpler than you’d think. However, we recommend a repair manual specific to your car model. Here’s how to check transmission fluid in most car models.
- Park the vehicle on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. Leave the shifter on Neutral or Park. (Some vehicles may require the engine to be off for the fluid check. Check your owner’s manual to be sure).
- Remove the fluid dipstick. It is generally located near where the transmission bolts to the rear of the engine. Be careful; the fluid can be hot.
- Wipe the dipstick on a shop rag and insert it back into the tube.
- Remove it and look at the markings compared to the fluid level.
- If the fluid doesn’t reach the Full Warm level, you need to add fluid.
If the fluid is low, you should also look for leaks. Check the system and repair any leaks you find.
#2. Read Codes from TCM.
Some code scanners can read DTCs from the Transmission Control Module (TCM). If you have one, plug it into OBDII port and see if it gives you any codes that will help you determine the issue.
While some codes are generic, some will help you figure out what the issue is. You can use our trouble code library to help understand the codes.
#3. Flush Transmission Fluid.
A flush could help if you determined the transmission fluid looked old or burnt. However, certain manufacturers do not recommend flushing the fluid and certain sealed transmission servicers want you to let them service all seals in the transmission. Discuss your approach with your owner’s manual before committing.
If you are deciding to change the fluid yourself, make sure you have all your supplies ready beforehand. Look ahead to also ensure your fluid will be recycled properly. Many auto parts stores will do so for free.
#4. Verify Data Transmission Range and Gear Level Sensor.
If you’re using an appropriate code scanner, you may also be able to see the data on the different sensors. Compare the readings with what is present in the factory service manual, to know if something is wrong.
It is also possible that one of these sensors is simply dirty or contaminated. If you find that is the case, you should be able to clean it off and reinstall it.
#5. Inspect Shifter Mechanism and Cables (Manual).
You may need to adjust the shifter mechanism and cable in a manual transmission car. You can find specific steps in your service manual.
Next, check the clutch. If your car goes into Reverse when off but not in gear, the clutch is likely to blame. Luckily, it is easier to replace a clutch than it is to repair a transmission.
#6. Contact A Professional.
You don’t have to know everything about transmissions. What we’ve provided can seem like a lot of steps and data.
If you’d like assistance with any of these procedures or any repairs, call a professional. Spending a little more will give you some peace of mind.
Why is my car not moving when I put it into gear, either drive or reverse?
Low fluid level or contamination may be the issue. There could be a mechanical reason, like bad shift solenoid, bad sensor, bad valve body, bad gear shifter mechanism, loose shifter cable, bad clutch, and/or broken gear teeth.
How much does it cost to fix a transmission?
That depends on what goes wrong. Adding fluid could be as little as $10 to $25 but fixing actual transmission problems can easily be in the range of $2000 or more. Your best bet is to start with an expert diagnosis so you are not replacing parts that are perfectly fine.
What are the signs of low transmission fluid?
You could hear strange noises, especially at shifting time. You could smell burning, and/or you could have fluid leakage underneath the vehicle.
Eventually gears will slip or not work at all. The Check Engine Light or transmission warning light will also be on the dash when it gets really bad.
What is a reverse lockout?
The reverse lockout on a vehicle is a safeguard against shifting into reverse when you are at some speed.
The reverse lockout is a common safety feature in both automatic transmission cars and manual transmission styles.
The reverse lockout is designed to prevent you from placing your vehicle into reverse while driving forwards and can cause serious engine and transmission damage if it were possible to do so.
If your vehicle has stopped going into reverse altogether, you will want to avoid driving the vehicle at all. You will want to call a local repair shop to schedule an appointment to have them look at your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid much larger or more costly repair bills.
It is entirely possible that your reverse problem originates in a small fix and you would not have to spend much money. Delaying repair for any amount of time will cost you.
In the meantime, the problem will get worse, incurring higher repair bills and limiting what you can drive to without reverse.