Spider won't shift into reverse

fiat-124 · Post by **fiat-124** » Sun May 14, 2006 1:23 pm

My 1974 Fiat Spider 124 won't shift into reverse, unless I shut the car off then restart it, even then it isn't easy. Does anyone know the remedy for this? thanks!

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun May 14, 2006 2:40 pm

if it goes into rev with the engine off, it sounds like your clutch isn't releasing. There should only be about 3/4 inch free play at the top of the pedal. If you have more, the cable may be stretching and close to failure, or the firewall may be cracked and flexing, or the clutch pedal may be cracked and flexing.
Worst case, the clutch is worn out, does it slip when accelerating in 3rd or 4th gear?

fiat-124 · Post by **fiat-124** » Sun May 14, 2006 4:35 pm

the clutch works good, no slipping, I have been playing with the car and have gotten it to shift into rev. while engine is running a couple times now, but something it still wrong. Could I need a bushing kit to fix it? thanks

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun May 14, 2006 11:45 pm

it is common to find the shifter pivots worn or loose. It should be apparent that the shifter is loose if that's the case. How much free play is in the clutch pedal? If it's more than 3/4" you need to adjust the cable.