Gearbox mystery.

Hello friends.
I have some mystery in my car. Could somebody give me an answer please?
The Ferrari 612 manual states that to engage reverse gear, you have to pull the lever up and back. However, in my car, reverse gear engages when I push the lever back, without having to lift it.Anyway if I lift it also engages.
Does this mean there is a problem with the gearbox?
thank you very much
Best

 

I doubt it is a problem with the gearbox. My guess is that the indent in the lever mechanism is worn or broken so that lifting the lever is not necessary. The indent is there to help prevent accidental shifting into reverse. Without it, one could accidently brush against the lever and shift into reverse.

 

Not a problem with your gearbox, but a poor design and manufacture of the "T-handle" lever. Ferrari made this lever out of cheap pot-metal that breaks with the slightest pressure...disrupting the detent that prevents unwanted shifting into reverse.

This item from Hill Engineering https://www.ricambiamerica.com/rl-03-612-revers-gear-lever.html will restore the proper operation and is unlikely to ever need replacement. I have this in my car and it is great. Installation can be a bit tricky but there are some good videos online...search for "ferrari f1 reverse lever replacement". 360, 575, 612 all use a similar repair procedure but the mechanism may differ in small details. Good luck!

 

Thanks Chindit; I Will Try with this part.

 

Chindit I bought this piece. In one week arrive to Spain. Do you know if is easy to install?
Any specialised mechanic can replace this part Please? Thank you very much

 

The Hill Engineering lever will 100% fix your problem. Is it easy to install? Well, I think just about ANY job on a Ferrari is much more difficult than it NEEDS to be, and this one is no exception. Watch each of these videos, and it will explain everything. The shift lever design is the same for Ferrari F355 F1, 360, 550, 575, 612, Maserati Cambiocorsa, and probably others.







On my car (2006 612 Scaglietti) the chrome "T" knob at the top of the reverse lever was attached from the underside by a very small screw...I think it was a torx screw but I can't remember...and it was fastened with Loc-Tite or some similar threadlocking agent. And it was VERY difficult to remove. I was concerned that I might strip-out that small screw (you will have big problems if you damage that screw) so I ended-up heating the head of the screw with a micro-torch until it was easy to release. I was careful to not damage any of the plastic or sensitive electrical components while using the torch. That screw was the biggest challenge. Make sure you use a screwdriver or torx bit that is the proper size for the screw, to help ensure that you won't strip it. Other than that, it is an easy repair. I think I spent less than an hour on it, and the operation of my reverse lever has been perfect ever since...a very good feeling. Any competent mechanic can do it...just ask them to watch these videos if they haven't done this job before. One word of caution, the plastic tangs that hold the housing together can become brittle with age, so be very careful as you work to release them so that they do not break. I hope this helps. Good luck.

 

Nick- Lever design is different on the 612 and Superamerica, where 1st gear can also be selected with the reverse lever. HE has both kinds.

 

Hi Terry. Yes, that is true. There are some differences among the different cars. HE does offer different shift levers and a person will need the correct one for their specific application. But the repair procedure will be similar in all cases. It's an easy DIY job so there really is no need to accept living with a broken reverse lever.

 

Chindit I bought one piece and just arrived.
The purchase link says that it works for the 575 and 612. Is this correct Please?

 

Yessir, that is the correct part for your 612.

 

Yup, part should say 575 Superamerica and 612. The one for the 360 and 575M will not work.