Thread: Reverse gear

Does "couldn't get into reverse gear" mean the lever wouldn't move into that position or does it mean that things made awful noises when you moved the gear lever in that direction?

Originally Posted by vnx205

Does "couldn't get into reverse gear" mean the lever wouldn't move into that position or does it mean that things made awful noises when you moved the gear lever in that direction?

Both! Physically impossible. But, two hours later and lots of gear changes on the way home, it was possible to get into reverse at home - but with great difficulty.

Can you select reverse with the engine off?

If it made "awful noises" when you tried to get it into reverse, then the issue is almost certainly a clutch issue. First, check the clutch master cylinder for fluid level. If this is low, it is likely a hydraulic issue, probably either the master cylinder or slave cylinder (or both), and you need to discover where the fluid went. Slave cylinder is probably in the clutch housing - remove the wading plug> Master cylinder will be running down the pedal and onto the map or carpet.

If no signs of fluid loss, most likely a hole punched in the release fork by the ball it pivots on. Gearbox out, I am afraid.

There are other possibilities, including a slight possibility it is in the gearbox, but it probably isn't. All of these would involve removing the gearbox and checking the clutch and repairing as necessary.

John
You make a point that it could be hydraulic. But to clarify the MT82 gear bag in the Ford flavour defenders have a concentric to mainshaft slave cylinder

On the upside no fork to punch
On the downside it’s gear box out for hydraulic work

Have you pulled the rubber gaiters and soundproofing from Around the sticks off and checked it is not something jamming the gate?
You could even pull the four bolts holding the gear shift to top of box and ensure nothing simple mechanical ??

See excerpt from manual

S