This seems to be a new development in our 2009 Honda Fit Sport but sometimes when shifting into Reverse, the gearshift doesn't snick into place all the way so no go. I've taken to putting it in Neutral and letting the car roll a bit until I can push the gear all the way into place. Another editor suggested putting the car in 1st gear then in Reverse.
I know this has happened in other cars but just figured it's worth mentioning considering our previous Fit had an issue with Reverse.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor @ 18,547 miles
carguy622 says:
12:20 PM, 01/ 4/10
My Miata had been a royal pain about getting into reverse at times too. Usually I just put it into first then back into reverse. Works every time.
By the way, are you guys shifting with your teeth? That shifter looks like it's been through the ringer.
robert4380 says:
12:22 PM, 01/ 4/10
I've been driving stick for the past 12 years, and what I've always done is come to a stop, shift into 4th (since it's right next to reverse), and then go to reverse. I've never had a single issue with the car then not wanting to shift.
And straighten out that shift knob, will ya? Yeesh.
rsholland says:
12:26 PM, 01/ 4/10
This happens with all manuals from time to time. The gears just do not always line up properly for shifting. It's nothing to be concerned about.
estreka says:
12:39 PM, 01/ 4/10
I've had that problem with my Honda. Usually it signifies my clutch going out.
bradyholt says:
12:52 PM, 01/ 4/10
First then reverse on my Focus, too. I'd be a little irritated if it were on a new car like this Fit, however.
figuerc says:
01:28 PM, 01/ 4/10
Reverse gear on most cars doesn't have syncros - which is why it is a bit more work to get in gear sometimes.
alex4515 says:
01:42 PM, 01/ 4/10
I have always done first to reverse on every manual transmission car that I have owned.
bemanix88 says:
02:29 PM, 01/ 4/10
This is a ridiculously pointless post. If the gears don't line up you won't be able to get into reverse, regardless of the car.
caroscuro says:
03:03 PM, 01/ 4/10
Um, yeah, I get it that cars do this from time to time, even mentioned that in the post itself, but it seems to happen a lot more often when I’m driving the Fit.
misterfusion says:
03:33 PM, 01/ 4/10
Yeah, I think this is pretty relevant considering that the last time this happened on an IL Fit, it was a precursor to a frickin' transmission replacement. Were there a bunch of apologists posting the same snotty things back then?
bodyblue says:
04:24 PM, 01/ 4/10
"This is a ridiculously pointless post. If the gears don't line up you won't be able to get into reverse, regardless of the car."
Nope, you have got that covered with your post. The point is that the last Fit crapped out on them despite the fact that Honda has a reputation for being well built.
Misterfusion:
You nailed the point....and take a look at the old IL Fit....same bunch saying the same things.
nealibob says:
04:30 PM, 01/ 4/10
I usually try this first: disengage clutch - shift to neutral - engage clutch - disengage clutch - shift to reverse.
norsairius says:
04:58 PM, 01/ 4/10
I drive a 2009 WRX, less than 400 miles on it, and I have issues getting into reverse sometimes. I've found that once I start the car, I kinda shift around to whatever gear(s) and then try reverse again and it works just fine.
allenychung says:
05:04 PM, 01/ 4/10
This happens once in awhile in my 2007 Mazda 3 as well.
alex4515 says:
05:18 PM, 01/ 4/10
Did the issue on the 2007 Fit start the same way? It sounds like it went all at once and wasn't a gradual thing: "While I sheepishly slunk out of the parking lot, I thought back on what it could have been. I then remembered I heard what sounded like a lot of keys and change banging around in my girlfriends purse on the way to the mall. No purse my friends; it was the tranny taking a dump on the roadway. Ho ho ho." This is what makes me wonder if this is truly an issue or not.
clarkma5 says:
06:03 PM, 01/ 4/10
I always go to first before I go into reverse, it's just nicer on the transmission.
ahightower says:
07:10 AM, 01/ 5/10
This happens occasionally in my 08 Mazda3. The owner's manual says to just shift to first and then back to R. Works every time. So I'm going to assume it's no big deal.
hondaacura21 says:
01:47 PM, 01/26/10
I use to have this problem with reverse on my 1990 Toyota Celica GT 5spd for a year (until I sold it) and transmission didn't fail on me. I don't think there should be major transmission issue with the Honda Fit.