Clutch / Torque Converter: I cant get my car to shift in to reverse?

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

I pulled in after having a few issues with over heating tonight (Why I dont quite know yet. I think i need a different cap on it) in my 52 champion and I cant get my car in to reverse to park it. I put it in neutral and tried to push it back a bit wont budge. I dont have the parking break set up yet so its not that.

WTF

Ideas?

[sals54]

[r1lark]

Possibly the linkage needs adjusting? Procedure is spelled out in the Shop Manual. But first check the engine and transmission mounts, if they have softened and collapsed, that could get the linkage out of adjustment since it changes the position of the engine/trans in relation to the steering column. If the motor/trans mounts are in bad shape, replace them first then adjust the linkage.

Let us know what you find Edsel!

[jclary]

Didn't you have a problem with the overdrive recently? Is it possible that it is not shifting out of overdrive sometimes when slowing to a stop? If so, the "reverse lock-out" feature will keep it from going into reverse. As I understand it, overdrive transmissions will not shift to reverse as long as the overdrive is engaged.

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

The Linkage feels tight as in new feeling it shifts great and feels really good not sloppy.
I think it might be the OD not popping out. I'll give that a go.

Thanks!

[Mrs K Corbin]

Yup, I'd suspect the OD.

[warrlaw1]

I read somewhere that the amperage required on the OD solenoid is huge. One greasy ground in that circuit could cause your problem. Good luck.

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

Thanks I think I am going to pull the solenoid and the governor out and make sure they are clean and working right. All the connections are clean and the wires are new.

It has developed in to a new issue I can put it in reverse if I shut off the car but not once its running so I think I have a sticky solenoid and or its a short circuit some where.

[Mrs K Corbin]

sounds like a short.....
remove the fuse on the O.D. relay (firewall)and see if it goes in with the engine running.....
if that works, put it back in and remove the wire from the governor.... if it clicks out, you've most likely got a flooded (with tranny oil) governor.....

Good luck.

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

Thanks that helps a ton!