Whenever a car refuses to go in reverse but will go forward, this is a serious cause for concern for drivers. There are seven likely reasons why this is the case. Those issues are outlined below.
Why Won’t My Car Reverse But Will Go Forward?
Let’s dive into the most common reasons why your car will not reverse yet will still go forward.
1. Dirty Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid contamination typically occurs when a worn-out gasket allows contaminants into the transmission or whenever the fluid is not replaced in a timely manner.
Dirty transmission fluid will impact the lubricating function of this fluid. This may ultimately prevent you from shifting into reverse. This issue usually shows up in the way the transmission shifts through gears while driving.
2. Low Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is utilized to ease shifting for both manual and automatic transmission cars. You may be unable to go in reverse if the transmission fluid level is too low. This is due to the lack of lubrication. Drivers may even notice the engine overheating or stalling.
This is not typically the issue, but transmissions will feature higher line pressure in reverse than any other gear. In general, a low-fluid problem will show up in both “reverse” and “drive”, which can cause the transmission to neutralize on sharp turns.
Additionally, a clogged transmission filter may cause the transmission to start out normally and fade so that it stops pulling after short drives.
3. Failing Shifter
Faulty shifters mean you will be unable to change gears smoothly. This typically happens when there’s a problem within the shifter linkage. This is a cable responsible for connecting the gear selector to the transmission, and a damaged one undoubtedly prevents you from changing gears properly.
If the shifter or the shift cable/linkage is maladjusted, drivers may have the transmission in something other than reverse.
4. Damaged Reverse Gear
A damaged reverse gear that’s caused by mistimed or reckless shifting will make regular transmission difficult. The shifting gear will still move, but the vehicle’s computer will not pick it up.
Automatic transmission drivers, however, will not have to worry about this issue.
5. Bad Transmission Position Sensor
When you shift gears, the gear stick will send a signal to the car’s control engine unit and transmit it via a sensor. A faulty sensor will not be able to pick up the signals, ultimately preventing a shift to reverse.
This part is usually referred to as the transmission range sensor or TR sensor. There are several variations of these sensors and they can cause problems with reversing on some specific platforms.
6. Failing Clutch
A worn-out or failing clutch may prevent you from shifting smoothly into reverse. It could also completely prevent you from doing so. This is because its purpose is to transmit torque from a rotating driving motor to the transmission.
Again, however, this is typically more of an issue when moving forward in higher gears than simply preventing the transmission from going backwards.
7. Old Lockout Ring
The function of the lockout ring is to prevent drivers from shifting into reverse when the car is in forward motion.
A damaged lockout ring could hinder your ability to shift into reverse, even while the car is not moving.
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