Q: Truck won't shift out of reverse but the shifter is in park.

asked by on January 22, 2017

Another mechanic messed with the links or bushings with the tranny shifter i guess, when he worked on my truck before...they came a loose and he came and put them back in place. One on the driver side and passenger side underneath the truck...a five minute fix....now it's happening again. This time I shifted to park but my truck is still in reverse.....

My car has 152000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi there. There are two different things that could be happening. Either the shifter cable is broken and came off the shifter linkage on the transmission or the transmission rod inside the transmission pan that connects to the main valve is broken. I recommend replacing the shifter cable if the shifter cable is broken or stretched. If you need further assistance with your transmission stuck in reverse, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

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

Problems with heating with check engine light on
On the 528's, there is an electronically controlled heater valve that can stick closed, blocking heated coolant from entering the heater core. Replacing this component will mean the coolant system would need to drained, filled, and bled. You may want...
Check engine light flashing motor shake could tensioner making water pump or anything else belt driven be it
The flashing Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/the-check-engine-light-demystified) means the engine is misfiring, which can be very harmful to your catalytic converter. If it starts doing this when the A/C is turned on, then there could be a problem with the ignition...
Is the high beam a separate bulb from the low beams
No, the bulb will have two separate filaments in the same bulb. If you need help with a bulb replacement (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/headlight-bulb-replacement), a technician from YourMechanic can perform this service at your home or office.
Are crankshaft pulleys and harmonic balancers the same thing? I have a 1998 Buick Century custom and it is wobbling and making a loud noise.
Hi, thanks for writing in. On your vehicle, the pulley is actually manufactured into the harmonic balancer. If the pulley is wobbling, it would be best to have a certified mechanic, like those available at YourMechanic.com, take a look at...
Code po1500 after new icv and maf
Hi there: When an error code is created, it is stored in the ECU until the problem is resolved and the error code is manually removed from the computer with a professional digital scanner. If the code was never reset...
I am thinking of buying a 98 Lexus LS400 with 200,000 mi for $3000. IT runs great and is in beautiful condition. Check Engine light is on 1998 Lexus LS400
Hello - as to the starter question, if the starter starts to spin immediately after you turn the key to the "Start" position, spins the motor over briskly without strange noises, hot or cold - the starter is probably fine....
How many gaskets are found in the upper engine gasket kit for a 2008 Audi Q7
Hi there. You could find a head gasket and the gasket kit from a local parts store or the dealership. The head gasket (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/smoke-from-engine-or-exhaust-inspection) is sold separately from the upper gasket set. The upper gasket set comes with the intake...
I have a very slow leak coming from the transfer case.
The most common leak from the transfer case is the rear output shaft seal. Of course, the condition of the bushing and/or bearing at that location will have to be verified because excessive play will make it impossible for the...
Car begins to roll when the shift lever is in park had only starts in the neutral position, just rebuilt the transmission
The neutral start safety switch could be misaligned or a fault in the linkage and./or cable could be contributing to the problem because "Park" is not actually reached when you move the shifter. The whole mechanism from the manual lever...

Related articles

How a Hydraulic Clutch System Works
If your car transmission has a hydraulic clutch, chances are you’re wondering exactly how it works within your shifting system. Most clutches, especially...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If Safety is #1
Maybe Maybe you’re a parent buying the first car for your teenager, or perhaps you’re a new parent and the safety of your little one is of the utmost importance. Or perhaps you're a safety-minded individual looking to make a...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Shift Interlock Solenoid
The shift interlock solenoid needs to be replaced if the vehicle cannot shift out of park and the battery is not dead.