Locked in Reverse

My 1990 Miata (Std. Shift) is locked in reverse. I went into reverse quickly when someone in front of me was backing up.

The Miata will ONLY work in reverse, and no forward movement in any gear position I try. I put the car in neutral, engage the clutch, start the car, as I disengage the clutch, I move in reverse. None of the forward gears work and I can't even go into what is normally reverse gear. Its like the whole pattern got shifted. The clutch works, to the best of my knowledge. I can't go forward unless I put my foot down on the clutch and someone pushes me from the rear while my clutch is fully engaged.

The shifter is moving in most of the gears, neutral is now reverse, and none of the forward gears move the car.

Is there some way to get any of the forward gears operative so I can get the car to my shop?

My car is currently sitting in a cold open air parking lot, but its a protected from snow.

I am hoping to save the cost of a tow. Any ideas or things to do?

Thank You

Al

Reply to
Al
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Reply to
Lanny Chambers

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First thing you need to do is get it out of reverse. Do as described on the page under "FIELD REPAIR".

Take care not to snap the cable for the reverse light switch.

I've experienced this particular failure on a 94 which seem to indicate that not only older 90's are affected.

However, I haven't experienced it after changing the reverse light switch. I'm thinking the spring in it was worn out?

Reply to
Per K. Nielsen

Changing to the later-style reverse light switch usually solves the problem permanently.

Reply to
Lanny Chambers

You should be able to tow it with the rear wheels off the ground.

Depends. If part of the cause is worn detent springs or a worn reverse-light spring, that it happened once indicates it will happen again.

Reply to
Matthew Russotto

Are these my options?

(1) SSP-11 (Special Service Program - 11), if it hasn't already been done.

(2) Removal of Gearbox and replacement of 5-R rod.

(3) Replace the transmission.

If I just do SSP-11, is there a formula for shifting that will prevent recurring of "locked in reverse" state?

How should I shift from Reverse to neutral? Quickly or Slowly?

How should I downshift from 5th to 4th?

Reply to
Al

First off: Field repair (Easy if you can under the darn car).

Second: Change the reverse light switch (which means you could just cut the cables when doing the field repair).

I'll bet that all you need to do.

Reply to
Per K. Nielsen

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