Q: have a 96 miata that i am trying to restore. It will not go into reverse nor will it shift it second gear when driving. It is an a

asked by on January 02, 2018

the car will not go into reverse nor shift into second gear when driving

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi Tim. Thanks for sending your question to us today. There could be a few different issues causing this problem, ranging from a damaged shift solenoid to an obstruction of debris inside the transmission hydraulic lines. A blown inner seal can also create these shifting symptoms. If you’re restoring the Miata, it’s probably best to remove the transmission and have it rebuilt anyway - as inner transmission damage will likely occur sooner than later if not rebuilt.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Dead battery
Once the battery is replaced, have a trained technician, like one from YourMechanic perform a charging system test to make sure the alternator is charging the battery. If the alternator is not charging the battery the battery will run down...
Car will crank and run but won't idle and dies if you put it in gear
From what you've described it sounds like you are on the right path for replacing the correct parts to make it run better. I would also add the fuel filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuel-filter) to the list of parts you are going to...
Speedometer stays at zero cant see what speed im doing rev counter at zero that part of dash blank.vauxhall antara.sp08snk
This is likely a bad fuse (since it's multiple items in the cluster), or a bad connector to the cluster. Check fuses, then disconnect and reconnect the instrument cluster wiring plugs - use electrical contact cleaner as well to clean...
Stalling, misfiring, and erratic idle - 1995 Chevrolet K1500
Stalling and rough idling are usually an indication that the motor is not able to adjust to varying loads. The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor senses engine load and generates a signal that is proportional to the amount of vacuum...
Battery change. Do you do computer reset after battery change?
Hi there: The ECU contains a small battery inside of it that acts as a back up when the battery drains or is removed; which ensures that data is not wiped away when the battery is replaced. There is no...
Honda Pilot engine misfire when cold out and engine running warmer than usual?
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a faulty coolant temperature sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-temperature-switch-sensor-replacement). This sensor relays the temperature of the coolant back to the ECM which uses this information to control many things such as when to turn the...
2013 Ford Edge 4 cyl w/ turbo Code P0299
Hi there. Although a dealership often will charge about 30% or higher than an average automotive shop, it's typically worth the extra expense; especially when an important component like the turbo is being replaced. Plus, the dealership typically warranties their...
Why my 2008 nissan sentra wont shift out of first gear. When I drive speed of 30-35 rpm goes up way high
Hi There, It sounds like your vehicle may be a bit low on transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or you may potentially have a bad transmission control solenoid. As you know, the transmission works on hydraulic pressure built up from the fluid...
P0121 02 vw beetle
You will need to have codes cleared and then the system tested again to see if it runs good or codes return. If the problem is still there then monitor data for the AAP1 and AAP2 on scanner to see...

Related articles

A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Mazda 2
For For those of you who really just want a car for the sake of transportation—and not towing or for a job where you need to transport tools—you might want to consider the 2012 Mazda 2. This car may not...
2012 Honda Odyssey vs. 2012 Mazda 5: Which One Should I Buy?
Passenger vans may be one of the most maligned classes of vehicles. From being called "Mom-mobiles" to being mocked extensively by those who have not experienced the comfort and ease of getting into and out of a van, vans just...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Long Commutes
Most Most of us are faced with the prospect of commuting back and forth to work on a daily basis, but some have a much longer drive than others. When it comes time to buy a car, you need to...