5 Reasons Your Car Won’t Reverse

September 23, 2021 | By Mister Transmission

5 Reasons Your Car Won't Reverse

Trying to reverse your car and your car deciding to not reverse is, at best, annoying, and at worst, dangerous. Here are five reasons why your car might not reverse.

1. Problems With The Transmission Fluid

Insufficient quantity or quality of fluid can cause just about any transmission problem. If your car won’t reverse properly, check your fluid. If the level is too low, top it up and see if that helps. Also, look at the fluid and give it a whiff. Good automatic transmission fluid is largely translucent with a slight reddish hue and it is neutral smelling. Foul smelling or opaque fluid is indicative of a larger problem and you should bring your vehicle in for an inspection. Manual transmissions can also use transmission fluid or they use some kind of oil, and these should also be checked.

2. Faulty Sensors

There are a number of sensors within your transmission that allow it to run. When you shift an automatic transmission into reverse with the gearshift, an electronic sensor sends a message to the powertrain control module that the transmission should be go into reverse. However, if the sensor malfunctions, it might send the wrong message, or no message it all. Such a problem is often accompanied by the illumination of the check engine light. At Mister Transmission, we can interface with your vehicle’s onboard computer to deal with such a sensor issue.

3. A Damaged Valve Body (Automatic)

In automatic transmissions, the valve body directs hydraulic fluid to the valves. It looks like a big maze. The fluid allows gears to shift smoothly, but if there is an obstruction or other impairment, there could be a delay in the shift or simply no shift at all.

4. Problems With The Shifter (Manual)

If you drive a manual transmission and notice it is very difficult to shift in reverse, the shifter linkage or cables are often to blame. Sometimes the shifter bushings are the problem, which would be preferable, because replacing them is easier and cheaper, so it’s usually the first thing to try.

5. Bad Teeth!

No, you don’t need to go to the dentist. There are many interlocking “teeth” in a transmission. These teeth need to be aligned and in good shape, otherwise the gears don’t work properly. This can be a problem in manual transmission especially. Always make sure to come to a complete stop before shifting from drive to reverse, because replacing these gear teeth require the removal of the transmission, which is often expensive and time consuming.

Mister Transmission

At Mister Transmission, we can figure out why your car won’t reverse and fix the problem. To learn more, please contact us. We have a comprehensive COVID-19 policy to keep everybody safe.

image-reviews image-reviews
Customer Reviews
I just wanted to write...
Richard Mintah
I just wanted to write something for everyone to know, there is still good peoples out there, but it took God direction to meet them. I met Aki and his team, this guy's are awesome, infact they are doing a great job. I would recommend mister transmission Dixie road to everyone who need to fixed their car and you will never regret.
Date: March 10, 2024
Website: Google
Really great and professional service....
Viv Naidoo
Really great and professional service. Aki does well to explain what's wrong and they had my vehicle sorted out on time and professionally. Highly recommend
Date: March 10, 2024
Website: Google
These guys are great!!! I...
Paul Poirier
These guys are great!!! I had an issue with my transmission called them and they got me in the same day. They had the issue diagnosed in minutes. Solved the problem and got me out in the same day. Really impressed and will go to them first if I ever have a transmission issue again. Thank you!!!
Date: March 9, 2024
Website: Google
Very reliable and helpful place...
-Courteney -
Very reliable and helpful place to go get your transmission work done. They stay within the quote they give you before tax. 10/10 recommend these gentleman helping you out.
Date: March 9, 2024
Website: Google
Had a great experience here...
Brooke Berkech
Had a great experience here at mister transmission. great customer service and kind gentleman. highly recommended for any transmission issues you have:)
Date: March 8, 2024
Website: Google
There is customer service and...
Pam Shere
There is customer service and then there is amazing customer service. These guys have the amazing. I can't say enough good things. I can always rely on staff to give me an honest assessment, and show me what is going on, and treat me well during the experience. I never feel like a woman being taken advantage of. The staff makes me feel welcome, almost like a part of their own family. The prices are fair, the shop is clean, and the location is easy to access. Even if you just need to come in for an assessment or to investigate what is going on, these guys have you covered. I highly recommend.
Date: March 8, 2024
Website: Google
best transmission shop around
Jordan Leslie
best transmission shop around
Date: March 7, 2024
Website: Google
Thanks a lot Ken. I've...
Igor Nikolaenko
Thanks a lot Ken. I've just bought a used Subaru and it was shaking on acceleration. I thought that it was a transmission, but after Ken diagnose the car it was 5th cylinder misfire. Much cheaper fix.
Date: March 7, 2024
Website: Google
Friendly, professional staff from start...
Rhonda Holland
Friendly, professional staff from start to finish. On time and very knowledgeable. Knew what the issue with my Acura was and fixed it.
Date: March 7, 2024
Website: Google
The service was great I...
Hicham Jabari
The service was great I got my car fixed less than the expected time.and the price was very low compared to other service providers.highly recommended
Date: March 6, 2024
Website: Google
Featured Services
Transmission Repair

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.

Read More
Transmission Technology

At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.

Read More
Transmission Maintenance & Service

Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.

Read More
Recent Blogs
How A Timely Transmission Fluid Change C...
In the world of automotive maintenance, the importance of a timely transmission fluid
Read More
February 23, 2024
Rebuild Transmission: A Cost-Effective S...
In the complex world of automotive repairs, transmission issues can be among the most
Read More
February 16, 2024
The Journey To Becoming A Leading Transm...
In the dynamic world of automotive repair, the rise to prominence of a transmission
Read More
February 9, 2024
What Makes A Transmission Repair Shop St...
In the automotive service industry, selecting the right transmission repair shop is
Read More
February 2, 2024
Mister Transmission’s Approach To ...
When it comes to maintaining the health and efficiency of your vehicle, the
Read More
January 26, 2024
Solving Automatic Transmission Slipping:...
Automatic transmission slipping is a common yet perplexing issue faced by many
Read More
January 19, 2024
The Ultimate Guide To Solving CVT Transm...
Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) have revolutionized the automotive industry
Read More
January 12, 2024
Preventing Vehicle Breakdown: Identifyin...
In the realm of automotive care, the transmission is a vital yet often overlooked
Read More
January 5, 2024
Diagnosing Transmission Problems: A Comp...
In the intricate world of automotive care, the transmission system emerges as a vital
Read More
December 29, 2023
Keeping Business On Track: The Top Reaso...
In today's fast-paced business environment, fleet operations are the backbone of many
Read More
December 22, 2023