stubborn reverse

[porsche newbie]

Every once in awhile it is really stubborn to shift into reverse. Every other gear is no problem and what I have to do is shift into the other gears first and then to reverse. Doesn't happen all of the time but when it does it can be a real pain. Is this just something that can be expected from a car this age or is there something that is just out of adjustment or is it a sign of upcoming problems>

[Icey1174]

I had the same problem. Now reverse is good and third has a slight grind. Hopefully someone has an answer! I would rather have 3rd back!

[kfanazini]

When was the last time the oil was changed in the gearbox? Have you checked your linkage?

[suedeworthey]

I have a similar problem with reverse. I think mine is linkage related, as it seems sloppy and loose when shifting. Might be time for a short shifter kit...

[968 GUY]

Plus on gear oil. Use a good type as the oil does not need to be changed as much.
There is a procedure for settingup the shifter.

[porsche newbie]

I just changed all of the fluids about a month ago so that really shouldn't be a problem. The linkage doesn't really feel sloppy and it seems that the problem happens more when the car is cold. After it gets warmed up and operating for awhile seems to be ok.

[thekidd]

No, i think its the same in every 944, 924S, I beleive. I have a book, and I remember the trans getting a bad reveiw becaust the trans was a bugger to get into reverse, like the 911 (yr.?) All 3 of mine were tricky to get into reverse sometimes. At times when I go into reverse, or at least i think im in reverse, I end up just reving the engine and going nowhere- happened today. But i will try and find the page that talks about the trans being like that. Dont remember when they changed over, and if it is an Audi transmission, or a Porsche trans. in the 944. Think its an Audi, though.

[JD159]

Similar experiences. Sometimes its stuck when I'm pulling out of my garage. My fix is to put it back in first and move a tiny bit forward, than it goes in no problem. It will engage better while there is a *slight* role.

[porsche newbie]

Well by everyone else's relpy it doesn't sound as though this is anything unique with my car anyway. Still frustrating sometimes,but I guess it is a quirk of the car. It does help when I put it in 1st and move forward a little like you said and I guess if this is the only problem that I am having, I guess I should just count m blessings and live with it.Thanks for all of the responses and putting my mind at ease for the time being.

[Gawernator]

I had that problem for a bit and fixed any gear grind and sticky reverse by changing the trans oil to Redline MT-90

[Ederd]

i got an 84with a short shift kit and it rips through all the gears fine...except reverse. The old jiggle and jiggle and wiggle and wiggle and then it finally slips in.

[CatsEyes]

I have the same problem with both first and reverse when the car and gearbox is cold. Changed the fluid without effect.

OK once the car is warmed up. But of course reverse is the more obvious issue, since we often use it when starting the car from cold, exiting parking-spaces etc.

[Slam]

Both my 944s do this. I just shift into neutral, let the clutch out to spin the gears, clutch in and they'll go into reverse. If not, I just hit 5th on the way to reverse. My 84 has a brand new clutch and I changed the fluid not too long ago, and this made a big difference, but it still balks at reverse sometimes.

[WalkupManuel]

I think mine is linkage related

[mueller944s2]

+1 on Redline MT-90. After my engine was out for 9 months it was a bear to put it in any gear, redline fixed it instantly

[AKCJ]

My 83 does it. Using Redline MT-90 made no difference. Guess it's just a quirk.