OK, I have a '95 SE, auto (I know, I wish I had a 5spd).. When I shift to reverse, only about half the time will it catch like it is supposed to. The other times, the enger rpm will go to about 2000-2500rpm before the gear starts to "catch" like a manual would, and then it sort of jerks in reverse. You can tell it isn't good for the car, so I know to shift back to drive, roll a foot, and then stop, go back to reverse and hope it works. I talked to a guy at a shop about it, and without looking at it, he told me it could be a worn out grommet to "wiggle" my gear shift and see if it would catch - that doesnt do anything. Do you all have any ideas before I take it in?

 

Idea #1) The "grommet" is a bushing in the shifter cable mechanism. If it has worn out there is free play in the shifter, and when you shift to Reverse the transmission itself is ALMOST in reverse. This bushing is external to the transmission, so it does not cost much to inspect and (if necessary) replace.

Ieea #2) Your transmission is approaching the point of needing a rebuild. Unless this has been done recently, replace the fluid. New ATF is clean and loaded with detergents. This may "buy time" before that expensive rebuild must be done.

 

If the trans. needs a rebuild, wouldnt it have trouble in drive also?