Dodge Neon Won't Shift Into Reverse

Have you moved to a new climate?
Do you have shifting problems on hot days?
Are certain gears getting harder to shift into?

Then your transmission cables may have stretched!


Once you take the center console shell off (four screws inside the center console, one in each cup holder), you can play with the shifter and see how the cables move.

I expected to run into this issue and get an easy fix, but it didn't work.

I noticed there was an adjustment slot on one of the cables, and decided to make the cable tighter by loosening the set screw, then holding the shifter so the set screw was pushed forward in the adjustment slot, and tightening it.

It was kind of a last-ditch effort before I paid hundreds of dollars for someone to look at this, and it worked!

Be sure to test all the gears afterwards in a test drive, and remember to keep it in mind when winter comes around!

Comments

[PierreL74]

Took cable off and still won’t go to reverse or park

[ThomasA01]

Middle console

[FletchINKy]

You've got an automatic transmission, which means a failure to shift into reverse is a bit more complicated! Unfortunately, you'll have to take it to a shop.

[HaroldM6]

Amazing!!!!

I just tried this and it worked. I'm now able to reverse. Thank you.

[ThomasA01]

I am unable to remove the whole middle console.

[FletchINKy]

So glad to have helped!

[Neyborhoodsniper]

I made an account just to say thank you because this worked for me!

[ThomasA01]

What does the cable that needs to be loosened look like?

[astral_mage]

mhmmm duct tape. good stuff

[FletchINKy]

Yeah, you look at a car made by a major manufacturer, and think it must have some kind of magic inside it, but it's just like everything else. Nuts, bolts, and duct tape :)