QuestionI've read through all topics regarding this type of issue I could find on your site before writing, and was able to find some possibly helpful information, but variations in circumstances between those experiencing similar problems as mine left me with some questions.
I have a 1995 Nissan Sentra GXE, I bought new in March of 1995. It has an automatic transmission. The car has approximately 168,000 miles on it.
Approximately 2 weeks ago the car completely stopped going into reverse gear. When shifted into reverse tacitly the gear shift feels normal but the car responds as if in neutral. The car drives and performs normally in all other gears, there is no slipping or missing, it just no longer will reverse. Unlike many of the other topics similar to this I read, there was no precursor that might indicate a problem before this happened, no unusual noises, stalls, slips or other behavior. The car was and is not low on transmission fluid and there are no indications of transmission fluid leakage.
The fluid is brownish clear in color not red, but does not smell burned. I have to admit that I have not kept up with all regular maintenance as time has gone on, so the transmission fluid and filter have not been changed for an ashamedly long time.
The check engine light is on and has been for sometime. Since buying the car I've replaced the oxygen sensor 3 times. When it failed again, after the mechanic checked the codes and verified that was the only thing triggering the CEL he assured me that it would not damage my car to go without it, so I opted not to replace it again.
So based on previous topics and suggestions I will have the fluid and filter changed and have the codes checked.
But there is one question I didn't see raised in any of the other posts and exploring all options I wanted to ask about this also. I always have change and other odds and ends in the console area near the gear shift. I know that a couple of times change has fallen into the slot for the hand brake and it seemed to me that the rubber guard in front and back of the gear shift itself was flexible ie; could actually be pushed down, but checking that recently it cannot be. If my recollection is correct, is it possible that something could have gotten down into that area and be causing this problem?
AnswerKat,
The check engine light for the qxygen sensor is most probably due to the replacements being Bosch. I have run across three, in recent months, that have been factory bad. They fail in short order. Try NGK or Nippondenso replacements. For the reverse your problem is not with the change or the shifter. If you have no reverse the servo is defective or the band is broke. I would ask your local transmission shop to provide their thoughts and email me back before you proceed to have work done. I have had a car that had no reverse and you end up parking on the street, a hill where you can roll back and in parking spaces where you can pull through. Mine was a broken band and it was a easy repair. I have not had the pleasure of doing the repair on your specific vehicle.
