Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Go in Reverse

Any issues with the transmission are something you do not want to ignore, especially if your car won’t go in reverse. Not only is this annoying but also dangerous and points to a major problem. Here are the most common reasons why the reverse gear could stop working.

Reasons Why Your Car is Not Reversing

Transmission Fluid:

Issues with the transmission fluid can cause just about any transmission problem. Check your transmission fluid if your car won’t reverse properly. Check for insufficient quantity and the quality of the fluid. Take a good look at the fluid, it should be

largely translucent with a slight reddish color. Give it a good whiff also and it should smell sweet or tart. If your transmission fluid is opaque in color and has a burnt foul smell this is an indication of a larger problem, and your car needs to be bought in for an inspection.

Malfunctioning Sensors:

Automatic transmissions have multiple sensors within the transmission itself that allows it to run. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is the car’s computer, and a sensor tells the ECU to engage the reverse gear when you move the gear shift into reverse. A failed sensor might not be able to put the shifter in reverse.

Automatic Transmission Damaged Valve Body:

One of the most common symptoms of a failing valve body is various types of gear changing issues. The valve body looks like a big maze

that directs hydraulic fluid to the valves. If there is an impairment or an obstruction this could cause a delay in shifting or no shift at all.

Manual Transmission Faulty Shifter:

On a manual transmission when the gear shifter won’t go into reverse or it’s difficult to move, it’s most likely a faulty shifter linkage which is a cable to the gear selector that connects to the transmission.

Damaged Teeth:

A manual transmission system main component is the gear. Each gear has 2 teeth that are big and small. If the small teeth are damaged or worn out it would be difficult to shift gears. If the big teeth are damaged or worn out, then the transmission will make noise.

Eagle Transmission Shop in Mesquite can figure out any transmission issues you may have. Call us today and let us help get you back on the road again. Serving Dallas and Surrounding areas like Sunnyvale, Rosser, Rowlett, Cedar Hill and more.