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Reverse = First???

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by M.James, Oct 9, 2004.

  1. M.James

    M.James F1 Rookie

    Jun 6, 2003
    2,721
    Worcester, MA
    Full Name:
    Michael.C.James
    #1 M.James, Oct 9, 2004
    Strange 'happening' during a drive today in my 84 308 QV......after some spirited driving this afternoon, I parked the car briefly to run an errand. Upon my return, the car would not engage reverse gear - it would move forward instead! After several tries, a friend had to push the car back so we could leave the parking space - the car kept wanting to move forward in reverse gear. Finally, after about 6-7 tries, reverse was found. Why is this happening, and how can it be fixed?
     

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  2. dakharris

    dakharris Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 7, 2001
    29,441
    Sleepy Hollow
    Full Name:
    Cavaliere Senzatesta
    #2 dakharris, Oct 9, 2004
    Your shift linkage is out of alignment. It's very common. Directions are in the shop manual. There is also a rubber seal that goes bad that must be replaced by loosening the motor mounts and tilting the engine to access the linkage. That's a little more complicated.
     
  3. Mike C

    Mike C F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Aug 3, 2002
    6,075
    Southeast USA
    Full Name:
    Mike Charness
    #3 Mike C, Oct 9, 2004
    As David mentioned, it's a shift alignment issue. Sometimes the set screws that holds the shift forks in place loosen up. It's not uncommon to have an occurance of this once every two to four years if you drive your car a lot.
     
  4. M.James

    M.James F1 Rookie

    Jun 6, 2003
    2,721
    Worcester, MA
    Full Name:
    Michael.C.James
    #4 M.James, Oct 9, 2004
    I'm looking at the gearbox linkage in the shop manual now....how 'buried' is this mechanism?
     
  5. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,000
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    #5 Verell, Oct 11, 2004
    My car occasionally exhibits the same problem, usually after a long drive on a very hot day.

    The linkage arm & shift fork bolts are all pretty readily accessable by removing the tranny sump cover.
    CAUTION:
    However, do it very slowly & carefully as there are 3 springs, 3 steel balls, & a metal spring cap that are held in place by the sump cover & will come out when you remove it. They provide the 'click' feel when gears are shifted & ensure the gears are exactly lined up. They're located close together on the clutch end of the transmission sump cover.

    See:
     

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