sometimes hard to get into reverse

[Rusty67]

If you are driving stick and don't put it into 1st or 2nd before you try to hit reverse you were not taught properly. The reason this is important is that reverse doesn't have synchro gears so if anything in the trans is moving then it will make it hard to get into reverse.

Also, this could indicate a minor clutch release issue. Try adjusting the clutch. Drive the car before and after you adjust it to be sure if it really did anything. Turn the car off, put it in first. Pedal down to the floor then release. Put your foot under the pedal and pull it towards to. Pedal down to the floor again. Repeat that like 2 or 3 more times.

 

[eliteJAE]

so the 1-2 clunk noise is a TSB too??? lol glad to hear that, well, sorta

 

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

look

If you are driving stick and don't put it into 1st or 2nd before you try to hit reverse you were not taught properly. The reason this is important is that reverse doesn't have synchro gears so if anything in the trans is moving then it will make it hard to get into reverse.

Also, this could indicate a minor clutch release issue. Try adjusting the clutch. Drive the car before and after you adjust it to be sure if it really did anything. Turn the car off, put it in first. Pedal down to the floor then release. Put your foot under the pedal and pull it towards to. Pedal down to the floor again. Repeat that like 2 or 3 more times.

Will take a look. thanks

 

[evil281]

If you are driving stick and don't put it into 1st or 2nd before you try to hit reverse you were not taught properly. The reason this is important is that reverse doesn't have synchro gears so if anything in the trans is moving then it will make it hard to get into reverse.

Also, this could indicate a minor clutch release issue. Try adjusting the clutch. Drive the car before and after you adjust it to be sure if it really did anything. Turn the car off, put it in first. Pedal down to the floor then release. Put your foot under the pedal and pull it towards to. Pedal down to the floor again. Repeat that like 2 or 3 more times.

side stepping didnt help mine at all, still have to go to 1st and then to reverse

 

[bobc83]

+1 Same here. It's just a mustang thing, no biggie

 

[Rusty67]

+1 Same here. It's just a mustang thing, no biggie

This is a bad misconception. It is not a "Mustang thing". I have driven many cars that have this same issue. Its about how the trans is designed and also if the clutch release system is functioning properly.

The lack of synchros for the reverse gear is why this is viewed as a problem. These days almost all trannys have synchros in all gears except reverse. I've heard of trannys that even have reverse synchro'd but not from a reliable source... I've never seen it myself. Earlier manual trans didn't have synchros in first gear and people would grind into 1st because the internals of the trans were moving when they put the trans into first.

If you put your trans in 1st then 2nd and it is still grinding into reverse then you almost certainly have a clutch release issue and need to adjust your clutch. If you are at the end of the adjustment and still can't get full release then you may have a stretched clutch cable or a hole host of other issues.

 

[poindexternasty]

Ditto.

Just put it in neutral, roll back or forward a little bit or put it in first and move a a foot or so. Depress the clutch and GENTLY try to put it in reverse and it should slide right in (thats what she said).

I am not a tranny expert, but empirically, I can say that since I switched my 02 GT vert's T3650's fluid to Royal Purple SynchroMax, I have noticed smoother shifts and less chatter.

I am aware some people think synthetics eat the synchros. My experience has been positive. I switched my 3650 from the original fill to Royal Purple at about 80k miles. 20k miles later I am still pretty happy.

 

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

Ditto.
.....it should slide right in (thats what she said).

lol

 

[Mustang5L5]

The lack of synchros for the reverse gear is why this is viewed as a problem. These days almost all trannys have synchros in all gears except reverse. I've heard of trannys that even have reverse synchro'd but not from a reliable source....

The T-45 and T-3650 DO have a synchronized reverse.

It states so right on Tremec's website

TTC: TREMEC Transmissions



They Mustang has had a synchronized reverse since 1993 (starting in the cobra), so there is no reason to have reverse engagement issues unless your synchro is worn or the clutch is not disengaging.


The T-5 in the Fox Mustang did not have a reverse synchro until 1993, so it was common to have to shift to a forward gear and then drop it into reverse. That was "A mustang thing" and even recommended in the owners manual. (Says it in my '88's owner's manual)

A lot of 5.0 owners later bought 4.6's...and the common misconception when they had problems with reverse is that it's like the 5.0's and you need to go to a forward gear...which does help.

However, the reverse in these cars is synchronized. If you are having probs getting into reverse, something is wrong.

Like i said before, i've never had an issue getting into reverse with my car. It goes in every time on the first try....sometimes when i'm rolling slightly too



PS: The 3650 has a 5th-to-reverse lockout. If you are in 5th gear, the trans won't allow you to shift to reverse, so you can't do the ole Fox Mustang "over - up to 5th- down into R" trick