2002 Dodge Neon won't go in reverse

[dhinch279]

Just wondering if any of you mechanics out there have dealt with Neons. I have a 2002 dodge neon with a 5-speed manual transmission that won't go in reverse. I have done all of the usual tricks like shifting from 1 to R, or 2 to R, etc. I have also tried shutting if off then shifting into reverse but it still won't. I have also tried to let the clutch out while pulling back into reverse and it still won't. Just to clerify, it will not go into reverse at all. It's like something is stopping it from going in. Could be linkage or maybe there is some safety part that prohibits you from shifting into reverse from 5th. Tomorrow night I plan on pulling the center console to see if it is something obvious in the shifter linkage, but other than that I am at a loss.

 

[1989LongbedGT]

Hey there. I have had a fair share of neons. 7 I think lol.

Heres a few things to check

They use a hydralic clutch. Check the small clutch resivor by the Driverside strut tower. Make sure your level is atleast between the min/max lines. If not Top it up with DOT3 Brake fluid or better.

The shift linkage at the transmission side is usually the ones that wear out frequently. You may have to remove the Battery and Tray to see the cables better. They like to tear and sometimes cause shifting issues.

Next check your transmission fluid. There should be a rubber fill plug on the driverside of the differential. Just behind the axle I believe. Remove the plug and make sure the fluid is level with the bottom of the fill hole or no more than 3/16 of an inch below. If not top it up. I cant remember if the 2nd Gen neons use ATF4 in the trannies or MTF Fluid. I know my SRT used atf4 with a friction modifier for the LSD. Low fluid will cause rough shifting and a world of other issues.

Is it grinding at all when you try to put it in reverse? Or does it feel like something stopping the shifter from moving?

Worse case it could be a bad 5th/reverse syncro gone. Neons are plentiful, Manual Trans from 01 to 05 will work. 95 to 00 are all cable clutch and wont work on a 2nd gen without modification.

Try those and see if it helps. If not PM me. I currently drive a 95 as my Daily Driver and have owned several of these cars and a Mechanic to boot. So im sure we can figure out the problem.

Matt

 

[baddis]

does it have a reverse lock out? a ring on the shifter you have to lift up to get it in reverse?

 

[1989LongbedGT]

there is a lock out that wont allow you to go from 5th to reverse. but no lock on the shifter.

 

[Musick17]

...thats what ya get for buying a dodge....

 

[Grey_04]

...thats what ya get for buying a dodge....

fords have their problems also JACKASS

 

[Musick17]

fords have their problems also JACKASS

Yeeaaahhhhhhhh, I know.

Wanna buy some rims for your Dak?

 

[dhinch279]

There is NO grinding whatsoever when I try to put it in reverse. It just won't go into reverse at all. After work today I will try some of the tips that 1989LongbedGT suggested. Their is also no whining or grinding in the transmission. I have a feeling it is either in the linkage or that lock out that keeps the shifter from going into reverse on accident

 

[Grey_04]

Yeeaaahhhhhhhh, I know.

Wanna buy some rims for your Dak?

nope funny thing is it came with 4 allready on the truck why the hell would i want more

 

[Musick17]

Cause they're PERDY and only $150

 

[1989LongbedGT]

any luck? how is the car to shift into 5th while your driving? It really sounds like a syncro but I would do all those small checks first.

Matt

 

[dhinch279]

The shift linkage at the transmission side is usually the ones that wear out frequently. You may have to remove the Battery and Tray to see the cables better. They like to tear and sometimes cause shifting issues.

BINGO! This is the first thing that I checked and it just so happened to be what was wrong. There are 2 shifter cables and one of them completely shredded the bushing in it on the transmission end. I stuck a 10mm socket in there as the "bushing" and reversed worked again. So I called the dealership to see about ordering a bushing and you can only get it with all the linkage for around $130. I went up to autozone and they can't get that part either (so the guy said) but he did give me a ford bushing that I cut down a little and now it works great. My cost was $7 and a couple hours.

 

[1989LongbedGT]

hey sweet. Atleast it was a cheap fix. If you go to www.modernperformance.com you could have picked up a full set of poly bushings for about 18 bucks. Dealer only makes replacement cables.

I actually have a set on order for my 95 DD Neon