Can't get into reverse on 80SC

[yelcab1]

A couple of times in the last few months I have had this problem and I think it is something very simple but I need a hint.

I would stop the car, put it in Neutral and cannot get the stick shift into Reverse (1-4 is fine). When that happens, I can get it into 5th gear but it will get stuck in 5th gear and cannot get out. I will sit there for 5 minutes yanking on the stuck stick, trying moving the car in gear and finally it will let go, and move back to Neutral. Then, I will be able to get back in reverse and drive away.

When all is well, everything shifts great. What can it be? Is there picture you can show me? I have a Bentley manual for the SC and if there is a page number you can point to, that would be great

Thanks.

[cab83_750]

Not an expert, but mine was stuck in 5th gear on the fwy. I was never able to shift out of 5th. This was random and it happened 5 times.

After much research, the reasons could be:

1. Low fluid (one expert said that 5th gets the least fluid and could cause the issue.)
2. shift coupler out of adjustment.
3. bad synchro.

I did #1 and my fluid was full.
I did #2 and it went away.
Thank God and never had to do #3>


Do a search and you will find what I am talking about.

Good luck.

[Javers]

Yep first thing I would check is the shifter set up. Pay close attention to the reverse lockout tab on the top of the shifter housing. If its not adjusted just right the shifter hits the lockout tab "straight on" and won't let you come out of 5th.

Jon

[Westy]

Yelcab, the exact same thing happened on my 81 SC. It got to the point I couldn't even find 5th. I looked under my tunnel cover and noticed the small screw that holds the coupler to the linkage had backed way out. I tightened it and the problem was gone. A simple 2 minute fix. The only 2 minute fix I've ever had on this car.