Only Goes In Reverse
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 126
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
Only Goes In Reverse
I have a 99 RX300 that has been running just fine. Today I used it to tow some bamboo to the dump (very light). I actually made two trips, backing into the stall each time and backing into it's parking location on my property. Everything was fine.
I then went to use the car a few hours later and the strangest thing is happening. It doesn't matter what gear I am in, the car wanted to go in reverse. I shut the car off and then tried to restart, but it wouldn't even turn over, as if you tried to start while in reverse. I also noticed the backup lights on even when the car is off. Additionally, the light in the dashboard reads "R" when it is in any gear. Is this electrical issue?
I did do some wire work to my trailer recently. Is it possible that maybe I shorted out something? Hopefully not the ECU.
I then went to use the car a few hours later and the strangest thing is happening. It doesn't matter what gear I am in, the car wanted to go in reverse. I shut the car off and then tried to restart, but it wouldn't even turn over, as if you tried to start while in reverse. I also noticed the backup lights on even when the car is off. Additionally, the light in the dashboard reads "R" when it is in any gear. Is this electrical issue?
I did do some wire work to my trailer recently. Is it possible that maybe I shorted out something? Hopefully not the ECU.
Last edited by shark13; Jan 5, 2022 at 07:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 126
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
Had another thought. Perhaps the shift cable has broken or come off (
). Anyone ever experienced this before? It would explain why the car thinks it is in reverse, why the backup lights are on, why I can't start the car.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
First check your fluid level for cold without warmup. Smell the fluid too and examine the clarity of the fluid.
As you rove the gear shifter, what election you see in the dash. The dash bulbs will tell you the gear the vehicle thinks you are in. If they cycle through PRND along with the shift gear then it can be transmission, But if they are out of sync then there is problem with the linkage.
Salim
As you rove the gear shifter, what election you see in the dash. The dash bulbs will tell you the gear the vehicle thinks you are in. If they cycle through PRND along with the shift gear then it can be transmission, But if they are out of sync then there is problem with the linkage.
Salim
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 126
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
Thank you LeX2K and salimshah. I really appreciate your ideas and suggestions at what is probably a pretty late hour. I was able to pop off the fake wood grain shroud and sure enough my shift cable came off the shift lever. So glad it is not something more serious. I'll be buying a replacement cable tomorrow. Thanks again.
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