Car won't go backwards in reverse gear.?

Question

Hi everyone. I just got a used car, but it just won't go backwards. When in reverse gear, the car just sits still (even when I press on the gas peddle). Any suggestion as to what is wrong with it? How much do you think would cost to fix it?

The car is a 1995 Mazda.

The car shifts into reverse normally (i.e. no noise), and even rocks a little as if though it's about to move. But it won't move, no matter how hard I step on the gas pedal.

Answer 1

Make sure that you actually have the car in reverse. The indicator on the shifter could be misadjusted and you are actually in neutral. Put the car in drive and then shift back one spot. This should be neutral. Go back one more spot to reverse!

If this does not solve your problem, you are looking at some bad news. Reverse is the first thing to go out on many automatic transmissions. If it is internal in the transmission, you will need to rebuild or replace the transmission. Depending on the car (you do not say) if will be expensive.

Answer 2

Well if it wont go back I would say the clutch is goosed or the gearbox. Does it go into reverse ok or is ther a gronching noise??

I would first of all take it back to the garage you bought it from and ask a few pertinent questions.

Take it down to a local garage for a more professional opinion but I would say a clutch change is normally ( uk rates - depending on make and model of car) is usually inbetween 100-200 pounds fitted, that would be doubled in US dollars.

Answer 3

One other reason thrust reverse is rarely used as a means of backing away from the gate is the foriegn object damage to aircraft and terminal buildings that resulted when some airlines began trying this as a schedule improvement technique, at high volume hubs, where ground crew and tugs were scarce at peak traffic hours. Because of all the service traffic, baggage and food service handling that necessarily goes on in terminal ramp areas, small objects regularly fall to the ground, unnoticed, in those areas. When the jet reversers are engaged, the resulting high blast can easily pick up small objects like a several thousand horsepower leaf blower, and turn them into deadly missiles. This makes ramp personnel really nervous, and has broken several terminal windows. It also subjects the jet itself to a higher than normal rate of engine foreign object damage; at least having a ground tug push back the aircraft to the terminal taxiway lane gets it one or two hundred feet away from its ground service position. Debris in the ground service position area is less of a problem on arrivals, when aircraft typically come into the gate area at low engine power settings on the incoming taxi.

Answer 4

It MAY simply be the shift linkage is out of adjustment.

Put it in park, start the car, now move the shifter one "click". You should feel it in the shifter without paying attention to the indicator needle that says what gear you're in.

Or go TWO clicks up from "Drive"

Answer 5

If it is automatic it could be the clutches in the transmission that are burned up and it cost lots of money to get a transmission fix or replace and the cost of labor. I would just take it to the junkyard and let them crush it. I hope you could learn to just use common sense when buying a car good luck.

Answer 6

Have you checked the transmission fluid? Or the filter? If it needs changed, that may be your problem. If not, you are looking at some money. Take it back.