Locking up in reverse

[Jimmers]

Hello!

I've got a 1989 260E auto that tonight, out of the blue, decided to lock up in reverse.

When selecting reverse it goes into gear as normal, moves a foot or two, and then locks up as if the handbrake was on. If I rev it hard I can make it move slightly, but it's obviously putting a strain on something.

The forward gears are fine, and I've just driven home 80+ miles without a problem in Drive.

It's 2am now, so I haven't had a chance to check any levels or linkages or anything, but I can't think of anything external that would cause that anyway.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Jimmers

 

[newlaithe]

If you jack up the rear end or the car,and try it again in reverse this will tell you if it's the gearbox or some thing in the brakes/rear axle thats causing the problem... by the way is it an auto box or manual?

 

[Jimmers]

It's an auto box.

Today I've checked the obvious things like oil and linkages etc - all seem fine.

I'm certain there's no problem with the brakes or anything because it will still run backwards without problems in neutral.

Most confusing.

Does anyone know how the boxes stop runback on hills? I mean if they work off a censor or some mechanical link or whatever? I do wonder if the problem is rtooted in that system somehow.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Jimmers]

(Disguised bump alert)

Today I've had it suggested to me it might be the the band for reverse (I didn't realise bands were used in things this late) that needs adjusting. Does that sound plausible?

I'm not afraid of it, I've just had no experience with auto boxes before - in the past it's always been "don't understand it? chuck it away and go to the scrappy". Which still isn't out of the question here - I just want to know what's wrong with the wretched thing.

In the meantime I've found I can still use the car by jerking backwards the few inches I can get away with, then quickly slipping it into neutral and coasting for the next foot or so, then repeating. Not ideal, but it's my only transport - not much choice at this stage.

Thanks again.