915 stuck in reverse question

[brd]

Howdy,

When renewing worn bushes on the gear lever linkages, i somehow managed to get the 915 box (81 SC box) stuck in reverse gear. I searched the forums and it looks like i have the option of pushing the pin for the reverse switch to hopefully release it. When i went to try this, i found the pin is missing (gearbox completely overhauled recently by a garage). I used a 3.5mm long bolt to check if long enough, but might be a bit short the one i have.

So... My questions are:
- how much pressure is required to release (if this solution works)?
- anyone got the dimensions of this pin so i can make one if necessary? Does it need hardened ends or anything?
- does the box now need to be checked for selector adjustments to reduce the chances of this happening again?

Thanks for any help. Car is stuck in the garage and as its a daily driver, i am keen to get it back on the road.

Brd

[Hydrocket]

There is a mention of getting the car out of reverse in this thread:

DIY shifter coupler installation - No gears

[brd]

Thanks Hydrocket.
I've seen the trick using the switch pin and will try it... it's just I am missing it and would like to see about making it - but need the dimensions.
I'm also curious if there is a risk that needs to be considered since the gearbox should be like new now after the full rebuild. It did happen when I was replacing worn linkages etc on teh gear lever, so could be just my fault and box still basiclly fine... but would like to check others opinions who have experience.

brd.

[SweetWaterSurprise]

There's a thread here on making a new one. I made2 before out of 5/16 drill bits. It was very easy and worked like a charm.

[pete3799]

try this one
Reverse Light Switch Woes

[Christien]

It takes a fair amount of pressure. You'll need something to push with - you can't do it with your finger, unless you've got some crazy callouses going on there Any short bar of metal should work - just get it in position and tap on it lightly with a hammer. You'll feel it when it gives. Another tip: jack the front of the car way up so you don't have transmission oil pouring out all over you. You'll still lose a bit, but it'll be enough that you can catch it with a rag.

[timmy2]

I thought the push in the lever truck was for a tranny that is stuck in 2 gears and won't shift. He' stuck in reverse which means he can't pull the shifter rod far enough forward to get it into neutral.
I wrote up a method to get it into neutral in the linked thread.

[Christien]

No, he's talking about the backup light switch pin on the end of the tranny. If it's stuck in reverse, you screw the switch out and push the pin in to disengage reverse gear.

[brd]

Thanks guys... I have some homework now to keep me busy. I was hesitant amout how much pressure could be necessary. Using a drill bit is a nice idea. And useful tip for the oil!

And yep... Stuck in reverse when lever is in neutral position. I could then put it in another gear and hence have two at once. Unnerving when it happened.

Brd.

[CR 1986]

Hi, you had a transmission problem like me. Stuck in reverse when lever is in neutral position. I could then put it in another gear and hence have two at once.

What did you do to fix it?

Clayton

[john walker's workshop]

maybe tow it back to the guy that "fixed" it and have him take the trans apart and reposition the detent that is likely out of place so it doesn't happen again. pin measurements are 53mm total length, 3.99mm diameter, one end which faces the switch is reduced to 2.85mm along a 10mm length.

[911euro]

My car had the same problem as CR1986 and brd had. I shifted to some other gears and was able to shifted it out of reverse and into first and drove it back to the garage. My mechanic put in the OEM short shift kit for me about 2 years back. I don't drive it often, may about 1k miles at the most after he had done it. Now it is behaving badly. Maybe I will take it back to him to have him check out the detent. I did notice that the last time I drove it before it was stuck in reverse, whenever I shifted there is a "click" sound at the end of each shift. If someone knows where that "click" sound comes from, would you please tell me? I think it is related to this "stuck in reverse" problem? thx