I put it in reverse and it went forward. I then put it in drive and it went in reverse. Why would this happen?

I put my car in reverse it went forward, I then put i then put it in drive and it went backwards. what would make that happen
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Check the shifter cable to the transmission and make sure that the cable is hooked up correctly. What seems to be happening is either the shifter cable is not attached to the transmission correctly or the valve body (transmission control module) has a major leak and needs repaired or replaced. If you need further assistance diagnosing your vehicle, then seek out a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, to pinpoint the cause of the shifting problem and advise you on repairs.

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The linkage between the shifter and the transmission range selector may be binding or broken and not allowing a full range of movement at the transmission. The linkage connects to the transmission under the vehicle so it must be lifted or the mechanic may have to crawl under to check out the linkage.
It could be caused by a number of things from low transmission fluid to bad alignment. Several things might be the cause of this issue. Most of them will need to be diagnosed and fixed by a mechanic. Before taking your car to the mechanic, you can attempt to drain and refill your transmission fluid.
This could likely be due to a faulty computer that controls the transmission, a faulty transmission solenoid, or another issue with your transmission. If there is an issue with your solenoid you could be experiencing slipping gears or a transmission that won`t shift into gear properly at all.
Replacing a Damaged Reverse Gear

The only solution for fixing a damaged reverse gear is removing and disassembling the transmission. Through this process, performed by an experienced mechanic, the broken gear is replaced.

The type of symptoms you are describing (with the reverse problems) are typically caused by obstruction of debris in the hydraulic lines of the transmission – so a flush and filter change is likely going to clear up your issue.
Clunking, humming or whining sounds are signs of automatic transmission problems. Faulty manual transmissions will also give off loud machinelike sounds that seem to come out of nowhere. A clunking noise when you shift gears is a telltale transmission situation. Have a mechanic look it over.
Typically, manual transmissions that won`t engage in reverse have an issue with a damaged gear or the shift lockout ring. why won`t my car move when I put it in drive or reverse? Being unable to engage any drive gear could be due to leaking fluid, broken parts, or a problem with a shift cable.
You experience delayed gear shifting and a sense of pulling or slipping when trying to shift between gears. The vehicle will not downshift as you slow down. An inability for the solenoid valve to operate may prevent your car from downshifting, and the engine will continue to rev as you attempt to brake.
Transmission fluid levels

A transmission low on fluid will cause the engine to race but not shift into reverse. Check your owner`s manual to locate the transmission dipstick and the specific automatic transmission fluid (ATF) or manual transmission fluid your vehicle`s make, model and year needs.

Automatic transmissions that shift hard, jerk or shake during a shift change may mean your transmission fluid needs changed or fluid level is low. In manual transmission vehicles, abnormal gear shifts could indicate damaged gear synchros, worn clutches or other, more severe issues.
Will it guarantee that the car won`t roll down a hill? Absolutely not. TOM: Whether you put the transmission in a forward or reverse gear makes less difference than the ratio of the gear (the compression in the cylinders will make the engine resist moving in either direction — forward or backward).
The engines cylinders are always going and spinning, and when the engine is in drive, the clutch is never actuated (unless you are shifting). This means that the engine`s crankshaft spinning will also cause the car to constantly move at around 5 MPH (About 8 KM/H) unless the brake is applied.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I put it in reverse and it went forward. I then put it in drive and it went in reverse. Why would this happen?
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Check the shifter cable to the transmission and make sure that the cable is hooked up correctly. What seems to be happening is either the shifter cable is not attached to the transmission correctly or the valve body (transmission control module) has a major leak and needs repaired or replaced. If you need further assistance diagnosing your vehicle, then seek out a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, to pinpoint the cause of the shifting problem and advise you on repairs.

Shifting issues from drive to reverse and back to drive
ANSWER : Mercedes has a dealer service order (#Order No: S-B-27.19/118A
) that addresses diagnosis, and possible dealer repair of the transmission for your model. Check with your dealer to confirm coverage of this.

Transmission made grinding noise when I shifted from park into reverse or from drive into reverse
ANSWER : It sounds like the problem is in the transfer case. The fact that you have to put it in 4wd to move the vehicle tells me that it is in the transfer case. You either have a problem where it will go into 4wd but not completely back to 2wd. Have the transfer case shifted to and from 4- wheel drive at least once a month to help lubricate all the components and keep them from getting stuck in one position when you need them. If you want to have this looked at, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the noise and advise you on a repair.

Transmission was low. Put 4 quarts in it and everything was fine until next morning shifting to drive and felt like neutral
ANSWER : If the fluid was 4-5 quarts low, that’s a third of the total transmission fluid capacity. The transmission has probably been running very hot because of that, causing accelerated wear to the internals (clutches, etc). Check the dipstick for the correct fluid type to use. Ford transmissions are very fussy about using the correct fluid type. You can try a full transmission fluid service by replacing the fluid and filter, not a "trans flush". You might get lucky and have that solve your problem, but odds are with being driven with the fluid that low, a transmission rebuild may be the only solution.

I just got a new transmission put in my car and it drives and reverse but won’t go up hill.
ANSWER : This may be a sign of a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car’s computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the correct gear. When this is faulty or not working properly, this can cause a delay in gear shifting or in some cases cause the car to not shift at all. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take the car for a test drive to more specifically determine the cause for this.

Car won’t switch gears properly only reverse and manually.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the battery and make sure that it has a full charge. If the battery has a full charge, then check the harness to the transmission and make sure that its plugged in all the way. If the transmission is connected properly then check all of the ground wires on the engine and the chassis. Make sure that all of the wires are tight and clean. A bad ground or a loose wire will cause the electrical system to act up and malfunction. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you with your electrical issues.

My car will only shift into reverse and neutral, can’t get it into the drive gear
ANSWER : This may be a result of low transmission fluid or potentially a faulty transmission control module. A faulty transmission control module may cause a delay in acceleration or erratic shifting of gears. The transmission control module has various sensors such as vehicle speed sensors, wheel speed sensors, throttle position sensors, turbine speed sensor, and transmission fluid temperature sensors that all direct information to it in order for it to perform it’s function. Other functions controlled by the TCM are components such as a kick down switch, traction control system, and cruise control module. Any of these may also affect the way the transmission control module performs and controls the transmission and the shifting of your vehicle. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your transmission problem.

When shifting from reverse to drive or drive to reverse I hear a clicking noise.
ANSWER : Hi there. There is a gear train issue with your transmission or a bad CV Shaft that is causing the transmission to shift had into gear. Since it shifts harder in reverse than forward, I suggest that the gears inside the transmission are worn. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your transmission issue.