5th Gear/Reverse not working

CHAZLINK

MEMBER
1997 ISUZU

Hello,

I recently replaced the clutch on my Rodeo and now I am having another problem. I cannot shift into 5th gear or reverse. All of the other gears are working flawlessly.

This may be a major transmission problem but to me it feels like something is not lined up correctly. When I try to shift into the gears, I get no grinding sound, but the stick will not move into them at all. It is almost as though there is something blocking the stick from moving into 5th/reverse.

Please help if possible! Thanks for all of your time!

-chaz

5 Replies

CHAZLINK

MEMBER
6 POSTS

To anyone who is curious.

This is due to a washer not being installed when the transmission was put back on that is the switch for the reverse lights. A 10c washer. If this is not installed, reverse and 5th will be locked out.

Thank goodness it wasn't a new synchro or something like that. Always make sure and check little things like this before you take it to a tranny shop. Labor alone for taking the transmission down is $500. I can do it in just under 30 mins myself :(

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Thursday, September 14th, 2006 AT 11:17 AM

DWI1973

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1 POST

I have same problem. Diagram help please. Or my process please?

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Monday, September 4th, 2017 AT 1:28 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Here is a diagram of what I believe he is talking about. #12 This is an old thread so I hope he comes back and clarifies.

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken

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Tuesday, September 5th, 2017 AT 3:48 PM

TOMNDEE

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1 POST

I just had this same problem on my 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, 4-wheel drive, 6 cylinder. What Chaz is talking about is a size 10c washer that has to go on the back-up light switch. I assume this serves two purposes. One is to help seal off the hole and the other is to keep it from going too deep into the transmission. If you install the switch without the washer it will go in too far and thus prevent the linkage from moving far enough over to shift into reverse or 5th. Seems crazy, but in order to test this assumption I unscrewed it about halfway and I was then able to shift into reverse and 5th. It is not necessary to remove this switch when removing the transmission, but I did because I couldn't get it unplugged from the wiring harness so I took it out. I did not notice the washer, but it must have fallen off at some point when I removed the switch. I have attached a picture of the back-up light switch and a picture of the location. This is on the driver's side (left side) of the transmission just below the shifter.

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