Won't shift into reverse

[David H.]

I had this problem about 50 miles ago. My 4 speed won't go into reverse. A person adjusted the shift linkage and it worked great again, until yesterday. Not sure how he did it and hoped someone out there could describe the procedure.

Thanks

David

[William C.]

Re: Won't shift into reverse

There was a post within the last two weeks showing the tool that is used to align the shifter in neutral, then the adjustments are made to fit each of the linkages into the holes in the trans arms. If it was adjusted and "came out" adjustment jam nuts were likely not sufficiently tightened.

[John H.]

Re: Won't shift into reverse

David -

There's a rod connected to the reverse lockout T-handle that sticks out of the bottom of the shifter that prevents the lever from being pulled over into the reverse gate unless the T-handle is pulled up (see photo below).

I don't recall if C3's had the rod as an integral solid part of the T-handle or if it was separate with a setscrew to set its length. If you unscrew the shift knob, remove the spring, and pull the T-handle out of the lever, you should be able to get the lever in reverse, IF the linkage was correctly adjusted with a tool to align the neutral gate across all three shifter levers.

If you can engage reverse after removing the T-handle, the rod needs to be shortened; if you can't, the linkage needs to be adjusted correctly, using the gage tool.

[David H.]

Re: Won't shift into reverse

Thanks gentelmen for the info. I'll check the recent posts for the alignment tool. Is there a vendor you know of that sells this tool?

Have a great day tomorrow!

david

[Joe L.]

Re: Won't shift into reverse

David -

There's a rod connected to the reverse lockout T-handle that sticks out of the bottom of the shifter that prevents the lever from being pulled over into the reverse gate unless the T-handle is pulled up (see photo below).

I don't recall if C3's had the rod as an integral solid part of the T-handle or if it was separate with a setscrew to set its length. If you unscrew the shift knob, remove the spring, and pull the T-handle out of the lever, you should be able to get the lever in reverse, IF the linkage was correctly adjusted with a tool to align the neutral gate across all three shifter levers.

If you can engage reverse after removing the T-handle, the rod needs to be shortened; if you can't, the linkage needs to be adjusted correctly, using the gage tool.

John------


The T handle for C3 Corvettes used no set screw for rod retention or adjustment.

[Dennis S.]

Re: Won't shift into reverse

Thanks gentelmen for the info. I'll check the recent posts for the alignment tool. Is there a vendor you know of that sells this tool?

Have a great day tomorrow!

david

You don't need the alignment tool, just a friend (unless you have a cooperative wife) who can sit in the car and both maintain and periodically check the neutral gate of the shifter.