If your car is stuck in reverse, here’s how to temporarily resolve the issue:
- Restart the car: Turn the ignition off and on again. This may help reset the transmission system and enable the gear to shift out of reverse.
- Rock the vehicle: The second step is to gently push the car forward and then backward. This can help release tension in the drivetrain, making it easier to shift into another gear.
- Press the brake pedal: Some cars have a shift interlock system that prevents you from moving the gear lever unless you fully depress the brake pedal. Try turning the key on while pressing the brake firmly and shifting out of reverse.
- Check the clutch pedal: If the pedal feels soft or spongy, there may be air in the hydraulic line. One way to resolve this is to rapidly pump the clutch pedal 5 to 10 times, then attempt to shift.
However, the best thing to do is to take your car to a mechanic to permanently resolve the issue. Here’s what they’ll do:
- Run a diagnostic scan: Inspect the dashboard for a lit check engine light and use an OBD-II scanner to check for transmission or sensor-related error codes.
- Conduct a visual inspection: Examine the shifter assembly, shift cable, and linkage for any sign of damage, misalignment, or loose connections.
- Check the transmission fluid: Use the transmission dipstick to determine the fluid level and condition. Top it up if it’s low or flush it if it’s dirty.
- Test the clutch system (manual transmission): Inspect the clutch pedal, hydraulic components, and disc for signs of wear or failure. Replace any damaged components.
- Inspect the shift interlock system (automatic transmission): Check the brake switch, interlock solenoid, and related wiring that could prevent gear changes.
- Evaluate the transmission range sensor: Diagnose and, if necessary, replace this sensor if it’s sending incorrect gear position data.
- Inspect internal transmission components: Open the transmission case to check for worn shift forks, stuck gears, or valve body issues.
- Perform a test drive and calibration: Confirm proper gear operation and reset any fault codes to fully resolve the issue.
Still unsure about resolving the problem?
To help you get back on the road again, we’ll cover every possible cause of your car getting stuck in reverse and how much a transmission repair costs. We’ll also give you some tips to prevent it from happening again.
This Article Contains:
- Key Reasons for a Car Stuck in Reverse (Automatic & Manual)
- How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Car Stuck in Reverse?
- How to Prevent Your Car from Getting Stuck in Reverse
Key Reasons for a Car Stuck in Reverse (Automatic & Manual)
The problems preventing your car from moving in a forward direction vary depending on your transmission system.
First, we’ll cover what can go wrong with an automatic vehicle:
A. Automatic Transmission
Here are the common issues that vehicles with automatic transmission systems experience:
1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid
Automatic transmissions rely on transmission fluid (hydraulic fluid) in order to engage gears. If the hydraulic fluid level is too low, the transmission may not have enough pressure to shift out of reverse.
NOTE: While low fluid can affect all gears, reverse often has higher line pressure, so it might still function when forward gears don’t.
2. Faulty Speed Sensor
The speed sensor provides information to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) about how fast the wheels spin.
This information is crucial for the ECU to know when to shift gears. If the speed sensor sends inaccurate data about the wheels, it can confuse the transmission, leading to issues like being stuck in reverse.
3. Faulty Transmission Position Sensor
This sensor communicates the shifter’s position to the ECU. If damaged, the ECU might not correctly register that you’re trying to shift out of reverse. It can happen due to wiring issues, water contamination, and damage from impact.
4. Malfunctioning Shift Solenoids
Shift solenoids are electrical components that control the direction of transmission fluid to engage specific gears.
If a solenoid is stuck or not receiving proper signals from the ECU, it can prevent the transmission from shifting out of reverse. They typically fail due to electrical issues and contaminated transmission fluid.
5. Valve Body Malfunction
The valve body controls gear selection in automatic cars by routing fluid pressure. However, if it malfunctions, it can lock the reverse gear due to a buildup of hydraulic pressure. This typically happens due to old transmission fluid, worn seals, or mechanical failure.
6. Shift Interlock Failure
Modern automatics have an interlock system that requires pressing the brake pedal before shifting out of park or reverse.
However, if it’s damaged, it won’t allow the shifter to unlock from reverse. This happens due to blown fuses, a failed brake pedal switch, or faulty interlock wiring.
7. Faulty Neutral Safety Switch
The neutral safety switch relays data to the ECU about which gear the car is in. If it fails, due to misalignment, corrosion, or an electrical short, it might incorrectly indicate that the vehicle is still in reverse and prevent shifting.
8. Engine Control Unit (ECU) Problems
The ECU monitors several car functions, including transmission operation. A faulty ECU could send incorrect signals, causing the transmission to malfunction.
Typically, the ECU gets damaged due to moisture contamination, wiring issues, or prolonged heat exposure.
We’ve covered the problems that happen with an automatic transmission car. Next, let’s review what can go wrong with manual vehicles.
B. Manual Transmission
If you drive a manual car and can’t get it out of reverse, it’s likely due to:
1. Clutch Problems
A warped clutch disc can bind against the flywheel or pressure plate, preventing full disengagement. This can “trap” the gearset and increase the difficulty of shifting into a forward gear.
Warping can happen due to poor driving habits, such as riding the clutch and aggressive driving, which cause friction and heat buildup.
2. Gearbox Damage
Worn gears, damaged synchronizers (for other gears), or a broken shift fork can jam the reverse mechanism.
Essentially, the reverse gear might physically wedge into place, unable to slide back. This happens due to a lack of lubrication (excessive friction) or aggressive downshifting.
Besides the specific reasons, there’s one common culprit that can trouble both automatic and manual systems.
C. Both Automatic and Manual Transmission Systems
One problem that affects both transmission systems is:
Faulty Gear Cable or Shifter Linkage
In many automatic and manual cars, a cable connects the gear lever to the transmission.
If the cable is damaged or misaligned, it can prevent the shifter linkage (the system connecting the gear lever to the transmission) from properly moving the transmission into the drive or forward gear.
Now that we’ve covered every possible cause of a car getting stuck in reverse, let’s examine the cost of a transmission repair.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Car Stuck in Reverse?
The total expense for fixing a transmission problem depends on the specific components that need repairing or replacing. Here are some estimates to consider (including labor):
- Transmission solenoid replacement: $75 and $450
- Valve body replacement: $100 to $2,500
- Transmission fluid flush: $120 and $510
- Shift interlock solenoid replacement: $150 to $220
- Gear shift cable replacement: $150 to $500
- Neutral safety switch replacement: $200 to $240
- Speed sensor replacement: $200 and $400
- Transmission position sensor replacement: $360 and $460
- Transmission Control Module (TCM) replacement: $450 and $1,500
- Clutch disc replacement: $800 and $3,000
- ECU replacement: $1,000 and $3,000
Don’t want to get stuck and call a tow truck again?
Check out the useful tips below to avoid any difficulty.
How to Prevent Your Car from Getting Stuck in Reverse
To avoid getting stuck with a transmission problem, make sure you:
- Monitor transmission fluid levels: Locate and check the transmission dipstick to ensure the fluid is at the correct level and not contaminated. Top it up or change it as necessary.
- Avoid aggressive shifting: Don’t slam the gear lever between reverse and drive; pause briefly in neutral in order to reduce strain on internal components.
- Use the parking brake: This reduces pressure on the transmission when you shift into or out of reverse, especially on inclines.
- Address warning lights promptly: A check engine light may be a sign of early-stage problems that, if ignored, can escalate into a significant transmission issue.
- Inspect the shift linkage regularly: Look for signs of looseness, corrosion, or wear that might affect the gear selector’s accuracy.
Get on the Road Again with AutoNation Mobile Service
Several problems, from low transmission fluid to a faulty ECU, can cause your vehicle to get stuck in reverse.
Unfortunately, this makes the diagnosis and repair process tricky. So the best thing to do is to take your car to a mechanic rather than trying to fix it at home.
Don’t want to reverse your car all the way to the mechanic?
AutoNation Mobile Service is the way forward!
Our mobile mechanics can fix your transmission problem from your driveway, at home or in a parking lot. So you don’t even need to call a tow truck. We offer easy online booking and also provide a 12-month,12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Contact us for any transmission trouble and all your other vehicle repairs.