lgoodson@pacbell.net Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I discovered that to get the car into reverse takes a lot of pressure on the shift lever . I mean it takes 2 hands and most of my strength. Just got the car running so I am not sure how it should feel but I think there is a problem. I am using a B&M ripper shifter. I believe that at first, the reverse function worked normally but I didn't use it much so I don't know. Could the lockout solenoid be causing the problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgoodson@pacbell.net Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 Just figured it out. If I put 12V to the solenoid the the shifter moves into reverse normally. Shifts fine. So is ther suppose to be 12 volts all the time until the car is moving above 3mph and then turn off so as to lock out the reverse. Is that how it works? If so, can I have 12v to it at all times without a problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay260z Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 you can take it apart and remove the spring inside or grind off the shaft to where it dosent sitck out of the solenoid if you didnt want to power it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoNkEyT88 Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I know my LS1/T56 was pretty hard to get clicked over into reverse. I had to basically slap it over or try to use two hands. Running PRO5.0 power tower shifter. Also, I have Kirkey large bolstered aluminum race seats, so arm movement is restricted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodie Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 yes it is a 12v selonoid, you can power it from you brake switch. so it applies when you step on the brake and be able to get into reverse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janaka Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Interesting. My T56 is HARD to get into reverse also, and I'm no weakling. My wife CAN'T get it into reverse even with bracing herself against the door (which makes me shiver every time she tries). I'll have to look at the wiring on the selonoid to see whats up with it. Thanks for the info guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Scott Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 The solenoid should only be used when you put into reverse. Having it on all the time would surely burn it out, and why activate it every time the brake is on? Sometimes I sit for a long time at stoplights or drivethroughs around here. I wired a micro switch near the knob, you can even get knob with button on it to activate. Gate is spring loaded so you can "crash through" if power fails. This also satisfies some NHRA ruling for having a revese lockout switch. Sure you can de-activate the whole works, but I kind of like the fact I can't accidently shift into reverse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strotter Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 When I installed my T56, I got into the mechanism and gave the spring a good stretch. Now its' "firm", but not locked out. I probably should go into it and massage it some more, but it's OK for me and I'm the only driver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodie Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 John the way gm has the solenoid wired from the factory is power on when ever the veh is less than 3mph so if you are long at a stop light it was gonna be powered any how. but the switch on the shifter works to as well as a shifter knob with a nitrous button but if you wire it from the brake you dont have to fidget with an extra switch when trying to get into reverse. and also those solenoid are fairly robust, they rarely got out and in all my years ive only replaced one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Scott Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 John the way gm has the solenoid wired from the factory is power on when ever the veh is less than 3mph so if you are long at a stop light it was gonna be powered any how. but the switch on the shifter works to as well as a shifter knob with a nitrous button but if you wire it from the brake you dont have to fidget with an extra switch when trying to get into reverse. and also those solenoid are fairly robust, they rarely got out and in all my years ive only replaced one. Appreciate the additional info. Guess I'm comparing to some solenoids like line locks etc, that are only to be used short term. Nice to know these are more robust. I suppose mine will last forever I know its a remote chance, but wiring to brake switch, anytime you use the brakes. lets say flying along at 150 mph in 6th, reverse gate is open. The extra fidgeting insures a conscious action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodie Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 I know its a remote chance, but wiring to brake switch, anytime you use the brakes. lets say flying along at 150 mph in 6th, reverse gate is open. The extra fidgeting insures a conscious action. easy fix dont do a 6-5 down shift while on the brake. but i actually tried once, at about 30 mph wondering if i could get into gear. all i did was grind an not got in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgoodson@pacbell.net Posted May 31, 2009 Author Share Posted May 31, 2009 The brake switch idea sounds good to me. I currently have it hooked to ignition on wiring. I would rather use the computer to do the work but my ECM is not putting the lite green wire to ground as it should so I was unable to get into reverse, I've checked it all out and it's the ECM that is the problem. Maybe I'll look around for another 93 TA LT1 computer. If I was shifting down from 150mph into 5th, I don't think I likely would be on the brake but who knows. Thought about the knob with a button idea but I just thought the button would be a little tacky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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