Can't shift into 5th or reverse
02-21-19, 12:03 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Can't shift into 5th or reverse
I posted this to another club, and got some wild responses, so hoping to get some help with this if possible. I have a 84 GSL SE. The other day, I went to take it out for a run and could not back the car out of the garage. Stick shift will not go into reverse or 5th gear. I am hoping it's something simple but wanted to ask if anyone else has encountered this? I can't even get the stick shift to go all the way over to the left, can only go 1-4 gears.
02-22-19, 05:44 AM
#2
ancient wizard...
Last time car driven,easy to select 5th/reverse? Trans original,replaced,noisy? Shifter feel "normal" other than can't shift into 5th/reverse?
Couple things can cause this symptom in otherwise ok trans...
1st thing i'd check is shift return spring in shifter housing for being broken and broken section/piece not allowing shifter full sideways movement to select 5th/reverse. Pull shifter asslembly from tailshaft of trans by removing 3 10mm mounting bolts after removing shift **** and trim plate in console. Use a pick and roll secondary boot off and remove it,then use some silicone spray on lower boot an use a blunt tipped tool like phillips screwdriver and pry boot from around shifter top,and pushing it down around shift tower exposing 3 bolts. Remove bolts and pull shifter straight up and out. Spring in housing should be one piece and look like this. This CAN be removed/replaced with trans in car with some difficulty.
2nd possibility is 5th/reverse shift rod ear keeper bolt got loose worked its way out and fell into bottom of shift housing allowing shift ear to rotate on shaft without actually moving it. This condition may allow shifter to move semi-normal.
Post back what you find so as to help future viewers of thread.
02-22-19, 09:15 AM
#3
ancient wizard...
Wanted to add, if 2nd case scenario,trans will need to be removed and tail shaft taken off and shift ear inspected to see if bolt/washer is gone. If so look on surface of gear case,could be there or still in tailshaft housing.
If you don’t find cause by this point,further disassembly of trans required.
Strongly suspect cause is broken shifter return spring as you make no mention of abnormal sounds from trans.
If you don’t find cause by this point,further disassembly of trans required.
Strongly suspect cause is broken shifter return spring as you make no mention of abnormal sounds from trans.
02-27-19, 10:32 AM
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Car was easy-ish to shift previously. Guy that had car before me put a short shifter in which I can't stand. Anyway, a friend of mine came over and sat in the car, banged the shifter to the right, and now all is ok.
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