Difficult Or Unable To Shift Transmission Into Reverse - keywords blocked linkage move shifter

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Customers may comment that the transmission is difficult or is unable to be shifted into reverse. Technicians may find that the shifter will move into the reverse gate, does not grind but takes excessive effort to shift into reverse. Technicians may find that after reverse is attained reverse operates properly.

The concern may be caused by the shift lever contacting the travel limit block. With the vehicle safely in the air and properly supported, have one technician in the vehicle and shift the transmission into the reverse position while a second technician holds a piece of notebook paper between the shift lever and travel limit block. If the paper gets pinched between the limit block and shift lever grind material off the limit block (see photo below for location) until the paper no longer gets pinched and the transmission shifts into reverse properly.

Note: If the paper does not get pinched or there is an abnormal grinding noise when shifting into reverse please reference SI hard to shift or gear clash diagnosis.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.