A car’s transmission is one of the most important components of any car. You simply can’t operate a motor vehicle without the gears functioning as they should be. But sometimes, you may encounter an issue that causes one or more of the gears to malfunction.
The reverse gear in particular, is easy to take for granted. When we want to back out of a driveway or parking space, we simply put the car in “reverse” and go. But what happens when you can’t?
Keep reading to learn the most common causes of a car that won’t go into reverse.
Top 8 Reasons Your Car Won’t Go In Reverse
#1. Faulty Transmission Position Sensor (Automatic).
Sometimes it’s best to start at the source. When your shift automatic transmission car into reverse using the shift lever, an electronic sensor tells the powertrain control module that the vehicle’s transmission should be shifted into reverse.
If this sensor begins to fail or suffers a malfunction, it may not allow the car to shift in reverse. It may often place the car into limp mode where you won’t be able to shift above 3rd gear.
Look for a check engine light and look for any corresponding trouble codes via a car diagnostic tool to confirm the issue.
#2. Low Transmission Fluid (Manual or Automatic).
If you have a low amount of transmission fluid in your vehicle, you could have problems reversing your vehicle. Low transmission fluid can cause all kinds of problems with the gears, such as gear slippage, shifting problems, and overheated gears.
It’s possible that your reverse gear might have been affected by overheating if your transmission doesn’t have enough fluid in it to lubricate and keep the internal gears and components cool.
If the transmission fluid is low, top off the fluid to see if that fixes the problem and look for signs of a transmission fluid leak.
In cases of having low fluid, you will likely experience shifting problems with other gears as well. So if your car won’t go in reverse but drives fine otherwise, it’s still worth it to check the fluid level but the cause is likely something else.
#3. Worn Out Valve Body (Automatic).
Every automatic transmission has a valve body. This is large, maze-like component that directs the flow of hydraulic fluid to the valves. This is what allows a car to smoothly shift gears whenever the situation calls for it.
In case of a bad transmission valve body, you may experience delayed shifting into reverse or simply nothing happening after shifting in reverse and stepping on the gas.
#4. Faulty Shifter Mechanism (Manual).
When your car won’t go in reverse with a manual transmission and is hard to shift, a malfunction within the shifter is usually to blame.
Sometimes it may take a lot of effort to put the shifter into reverse or it feels like something is blocking it from going into the reverse slot.
Most often the problem is with the shifter linkage or cables as something is bent or broken. On some cars, the shifter bushings are the culprit and replacing them is a good first (and cheap) step to fixing the issue.
#5. Dirty Transmission Fluid or Filter (Manual or Automatic).
Sometimes the transmission fluid gets contaminated with enough hardened deposits or other gunk that it actually affects a vehicle shifting into reverse or other gears.
While not that common of an issue, changing the transmission fluid and filter (if your car has one) is a cheap course of action.
Check the condition of your transmission fluid (see our color chart) to see if it needs to be replaced. Even if that doesn’t fix the reverse gear issue, you may have prevented future transmission problems.
#6. Broken Teeth on Reverse Gear (Manual or Automatic).
This most commonly occurs with manual transmission cars due to driver abuse or those learning to drive a stick shift and not properly shifting gears. Often, you will hear clicking noises or a really loud clunk when you try to shift into reverse.
Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for this and the transmission has to get pulled and the gear replaced.
#7. Faulty Lockout Ring (Manual).
The purpose of a lockout ring is to prevent you from accidentally shifting into reverse while the car is moving forward (which would be extremely dangerous and cause serious transmission damage).
If the lockout ring is somehow damaged or misaligned, it can prevent you from shifting into reverse even at a standstill.
#8. Clutch Issues (Manual).
For manual transmission vehicles, problems with the clutch can prevent the car from going into reverse.
The clutch is responsible for disengaging the engine from the transmission, allowing you to shift gears. If the clutch is worn out, damaged, or improperly adjusted, it may not fully disengage when you press the pedal.
This can make it difficult (or even impossible) to shift into reverse, as the gears are still partially engaged. You’ll likely hear grinding noises when attempting to shift, or the gear lever may feel stuck and refuse to move into the reverse position.
It’s worth noting that clutch issues often affect other gears as well, so if you’re having trouble shifting into reverse, check if you’re experiencing similar problems with other gears. If you are, it’s likely time for a clutch inspection and possible replacement.
How to Troubleshoot a Transmission That Won’t Go Into Reverse
If your car won’t go into reverse, follow these steps to help identify the problem:
Step 1: Check the Transmission Fluid
Locate the transmission dipstick (consult your owner’s manual if unsure). With the engine running and warmed up, check the fluid level and condition.
The fluid should be at the “Full” mark and appear red or pink. If it’s low, add the correct type of fluid. If it’s dark, gritty, or smells burnt, a fluid change may be necessary.
Step 2: Check for Leaks
Park your car on a clean, dry surface overnight (e.g., garage or driveway). In the morning, check for any puddles or wet spots under the vehicle. Red or pink fluid indicates a transmission leak. Pinpoint the source if possible, as it could be from a gasket, seal, or line.
Step 3: Try Shifting Multiple Times
Put your foot on the brake, then shift from Park to Drive and back to Park several times before attempting Reverse.
For manual transmissions, try shifting through other gears before attempting Reverse. This can sometimes help realign internal components.
Step 4: Listen for Unusual Noises
When attempting to shift into Reverse, pay close attention to any sounds. Grinding might indicate worn gears, while clicking could suggest a problem with the shifter mechanism. A loud clunk when engaging Reverse may point to damaged gear teeth.
Step 5: Scan for Error Codes
Connect an OBD2 scanner to your car’s diagnostic port (usually under and to the left of the steering wheel).
Look for any transmission-related codes. Common ones include P0700 (general transmission fault) or P0711 (transmission fluid temperature out of range).
Step 6: Try Other Gears
Shift through all other gears, noting any difficulties or unusual behavior. If other gears are affected, it could indicate a more widespread transmission issue or low fluid level.
Step 7: Check for Obstructions (Manual Transmission)
For manual transmissions, sometimes the issue can be as simple as an obstruction preventing the shifter from fully engaging the reverse gear.
Carefully inspect the area around the shifter for any debris, loose items, or damaged components that might be interfering with the full range of motion.
Additionally, check if the shifter moves freely in all directions. If you feel any unusual resistance or blockage, it could indicate a problem with the shifter mechanism or linkage.
Step 8: Check the Clutch Pedal (Manual Transmission)
Assess the clutch pedal’s free play (the distance it moves before you feel resistance). Typically, this should be about 1 inch.
If it’s much more or less, the clutch may need adjustment. Also, check if the pedal feels spongy, which could indicate air in the hydraulic system.