hi guys i've asked countless mechanics and i can't seem to geta striaght answer so hopefully somebody knows. since i got my car this has been a problem, you're supposed to have to push down on the shifter to get it into reverse, mine just goes into reverse without pushing down or anything. needless to say this has made for some interesting experiences leaving signals and such. my quesiton is why would this happen, is there a plate that should be there right at the shifter is it something internal in the transmission. any info would be greatly appreciated
thanks guys!

 

I don't know exactly how it's setup on the S4 but it's usually just a cable which you are tightening that allows you to access that gear, it's connected to the transmission from the gear shifter. Not sure how's it's setup like I said, but I would imagine you should start there, I doubt it's anything more serious than that.

 

does the stick compress at all? it is spring loaded to go into a separate detent. ifit doesn'thave thatfeature, grab the outer edges of the boot and gently pull up, then lift up the insulation. you can see if the spring is in place or if a spring lock came off. the other thing i can think of is if you bought your car used. some short shifter mods don't incorporate the "lock out" feature once the new stick is installed, and previous owner didn't mention the install.

 

It could also have short shift already in plac. those usually eliminate the reverse lock out.

 

The shifter is either broken or stuck. There is a little spring in there & a guide for reverse. It might be stuck or worn out.

Also there is some adjustment in the shifter linkage, but you have to remove it all.

 

Yeah my short shift kit came with a little tab that you install underneath the spring on the shifter (I think thats where it went) Bottom line is with that tab installed you have to push down to get to reverse....without it it's free game.