I've had the car for about 2 weeks, but I still have some problems consistently getting the car into reverse. Is this a common problem with these gearboxes, or any trick to lining it up properly and getting it in?

I often end up driving slightly forward trying to find it a few times before finally getting it in. It's a bit of a hassle when trying to reverse park.

With the car off and key in the run position do you hear a click from the shifter area when you engage the clutch?

Yes. What is that noise

Ah maybe reverse lockout soleniod

Edited July 13, 201511 yr by arronm

With the car off and key in the run position do you hear a click from the shifter area when you engage the clutch?

I can't hear a click. Is there a switch of something that could be broken?

Yes, there is a solenoid that locks out reverse unless you are below 4kph. The PCM powers up the solenoid to allow reverse to be selected. You can force past it (as you have found but obviously not ideal)

Solenoid get power from the wiring to the reverse light switch and is earthed via the pcm. The pcm sees the clutch pedal switch input and if below 4kph earth's the solenoid.

1.check the clutch pedal switch wiring

2.check the solenoid is plugged in.

3.if the car has been tuned,the tuner hasn't recycled an auto/5spd manual tune file.

Oooo I hope it's the last option, that's way more exciting!

Yes, there is a solenoid that locks out reverse unless you are below 4kph. The PCM powers up the solenoid to allow reverse to be selected. You can force past it (as you have found but obviously not ideal)

Solenoid get power from the wiring to the reverse light switch and is earthed via the pcm. The pcm sees the clutch pedal switch input and if below 4kph earth's the solenoid.

1.check the clutch pedal switch wiring

2.check the solenoid is plugged in.

3.if the car has been tuned,the tuner hasn't recycled an auto/5spd manual tune file.

Thanks for the info. I'll take a look as soon as I get a chance.

Oooo I hope it's the last option, that's way more exciting!

Haha, it's definitely not the last option sorry

No worries,

Please report back on what you find.

No worries,

Please report back on what you find.

I've taken a look, and I see a switch that has a stalk which is extends out when the clutch pedal is pushed. I followed the wires above the pedal there as far as I could see and all look fine.

Where do I find the solenoid, is it near the pedal, or do I look under the car near the gearbox?