Q: Reverse doesn't work

asked by on September 20, 2016

My car doesn't engage when put into reverse but every other gear it moves forward (including park), i adjusted the shift linkage so can't really be the issue unless I did it wrong. I also have an exhaust leak so I've lost alot of power on top of that I'm at such a loss right now

My car has 292113 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is hard to shift Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. You can visually observe the manual shift lever on the transmission as an assistant puts it into reverse. You should see the lever move into position. The positions are all within detents so there is a positive stop feel. Reverse operates based on hydraulic pressures just as the forward gears do. If reverse is not functioning, something has malfunctioned internally (clutch pack, piston) and/or the required hydraulic pressure is bleeding off due to a blown or missing seal or o-ring. You could also have a valve body defect in the transmission.

The best thing to do is perform a pressure test and see if that yields an obvious clue (it should, but pressures are sometimes measured as part of a stall test, so this is not a DIY procedure). YourMechanic would be pleased to give you an on-site diagnosis of the shifting issue from which you will have at least an idea of the range of the cost to repair. You have a fairly common transmission, though, that can be rebuilt for less than $2,000 assuming no damage to the internal hard parts. Even an off the shelf already rebuilt unit is less than $2,000 plus labor to install of course. But, again, you should first diagnose what you have to be sure of the issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Paint peeling problem, maybe cold weather to blame
This paint issue is somewhat common and seems to affect the roof most often. Although dealers most often do not make the repairs under warranty, I always recommend making them your first stop if there is a potential for them...
Coolant is leaking
Hi there. There are many components that make up your cooling system. A water pump, thermostat housing, and hoses are all common places a vehicle will leak besides the radiator. A loss of excess coolant can cause your engine to...
Rear end clunking when braking in 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
If you hear a clunking noise coming from the back when you hit the brakes, the first thing you want to check is the wheels and brakes. You want to see if the brake pads are worn, if they are...
Dash is loose on my car.
Hi there. A loose part of a trimming in the back near the boot lid can cause the sound to echoing to the front of the dashboard. Remove the center console to the dash board and you can see the...
Car died while driving, won't start, but it turns over
Hello, thank you for writing in. Due to just having to jump the battery, this is the first component to check. Have it tested with a voltmeter, or at your local automotive parts store. If the battery was low but...
There is a slight vibration in the steering wheel when I turn it slightly to the left. 2009 Chevrolet Mailbu
Hello - from your symptom description, I believe your driver side, outer CV joint (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-damaged-cv-joint) is failing, and should be replaced. The driver side wheel/tire turns slightly more sharply than the right side, making the task of turning and transferring...
Fuel pump will only run for a few seconds and the car dies.
Hi there. When the fuel pump will only run for a few seconds, it's typically caused by an electrical short or failure with the fuel pump relay. This situation can also occur if there is an obstruction of debris in...
I have a 2006 Suzuki Forenza and recently just got the engine replaced. after driving it for a while yesterday the malfunction ind
Without knowing what caused the check engine light to come on or the codes stored it would not be able to be determined if engine damage can occur if you continue to drive it. I would recommend having the codes...
My Buick LaCrosse won’t start, the ignition starts but the engine doesn’t run
If the engine turns over rapidly, as usual, but it won't catch and run, there is usually a problem in the fuel or ignition system. There are some basic tests that you can perform to check for spark and fuel...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Caterer
If If you are in the catering business, you need a reliable vehicle that will provide you with what you need to transport your food, linens, and other supplies. Generally speaking, you're better off buying gently used, because you will...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're Towing a Boat
If If you’re towing a boat, the vehicle that you buy is largely going to depend on the size and weight of your boat plus trailer. Most cars, realistically, aren’t cut out for the job. We recommend a pickup truck...
How to Replace the Headlights on a Toyota Prius
Your headlights are one of the most important safety components for your car. A broken headlight bulb can endanger yourself and others on the road.