Nissan Repair: car, gear lever, transmission oil

Question
My nissan wagon automatic 2.0 slx car does not move when gear lever is in reverse position. what could possibly be wrong and how can the problem be rectified?

Answer
Hi Mike -

I am assuming that it works in the "D" position. If this is so, and before condemning the transmission, first of all, make sure that the level is where it is supposed to be. With the car running and in Park, pull the dipstick and check the transmission oil level. While you have the dipstick out, check the condition of the oil, it should be red. If it is on the brown side, and smells burnt, I would change the oil first. Ensure that when you do this, you flush out the transmission oil too (while you have the oil draining, run the car for 10 seconds).

If all this fails, then your transmission will have to be overhauled.

The reverse gear is usually the first to go, as the gears are the most sensitive.

Hope this helps
calvin