So.. I'm selling my car. I took it in to the mechanic today to get a roadworthy done. All was good. However since picking it up there has been a nasty jolt when ever i put it in to reverse.

I noticed it slightly when I left the mechanic but didn't think anything of it. Now it is really bad.

What could the problem be? Could the mechanic have done something or is it just a coincidence?

I'm really pissed off. I am selling it and have a buyer arranging finance. I don't want to have to fork out a large sum to fix it.

So.. I'm selling my car. I took it in to the mechanic today to get a roadworthy done. All was good. However since picking it up there has been a nasty jolt when ever i put it in to reverse.

I noticed it slightly when I left the mechanic but didn't think anything of it. Now it is really bad.

What could the problem be? Could the mechanic have done something or is it just a coincidence?

I'm really pissed off. I am selling it and have a buyer arranging finance. I don't want to have to fork out a large sum to fix it.

does it only happen in reverse? or in any other gear?

Is it Auto or Manual?

Yep, only reverse and its an auto.

Mine does the same thing every now and then, as does mum's. I've heard that it can be caused by oil starvation, which is a result of putting the car into reverse too quickly, ie. as soon as you've started the motor. Depending on how old the car is, it might take the pump a few seconds to build up enough pressure.

What sort of condition is the transmission fluid in? Is it bright red, brown or black? Does it smell burned?

It happens even if i leave it for a bit. It is almost due for new trans fluid. Its done 87,000k's, but if it was the oil wouldn't this have been happening gradually? It has been perfect until today. Now it jerks in to reverse.

Hmm. What's the forward gear selection like?

perfect. Don't even feel it change from neutral to drive.

All I can suggest is that you try resetting the ECU, by disconnecing the battery for about a minute. That might alleviate the problem, by setting up a completely new shift pattern.

All I can suggest is that you try resetting the ECU, by disconnecing the battery for about a minute. That might alleviate the problem, by setting up a completely new shift pattern.

if that doesnt work check the fluid colour and level at hot. Might be low on fluid or oil might be a bit ordinary. Mines done 70k and is just starting to hard shift a bit so ill be getting a fluid change within the next month unless my new motor transplant starts before then

a service may be needed to get the price you want

So.. turns out its a broken engine mount. How random.

I have never had a problem with this car, now, 4 days out from selling it breaks an engine mount.

How much should i expect to be paying to get a rear engine mount replaced?

So.. turns out its a broken engine mount. How random.

I have never had a problem with this car, now, 4 days out from selling it breaks an engine mount.

How much should i expect to be paying to get a rear engine mount replaced?

From memory the insert (the rubber cushion inside the mount) cost me $90 from my local parts place.

So I'd be saying somewhere around the $200 mark to get it fully installed.

Hi all, took the car in to get the engine mount replaced today. Just got a call back saying that they replaced the engine mount but the car is still jumping in to reverse. They think its the transmission and are trying to diagnose exactly what it is causing it now. They said if its not fixed it will just rip another mount.

I am PISSED OFF. The car was fine before I took it for its roadworthy!

Hi all, took the car in to get the engine mount replaced today. Just got a call back saying that they replaced the engine mount but the car is still jumping in to reverse. They think its the transmission and are trying to diagnose exactly what it is causing it now. They said if its not fixed it will just rip another mount.

I am PISSED OFF. The car was fine before I took it for its roadworthy!

your car doesnt want you to sell it to someone else! it loves you lol


have you checked the tranny fluid - levels / colours etc?

my understanding of autos is when they are starting to let go - they will take forever to pick up reverse and when they do they will clunk / drop harshly into gear...
flush might sort things out long enough to let the sale continue and then 4000km down the new owners road then itl start to let go again....
or is it just me that does that sorta thing?

i think i remember reading somewhere, that the auto's can be 'taught' how to do the " R N D" "D N R" shifts / selections smoothly?
im not 100% sure on that one tho.

Hi all, took the car in to get the engine mount replaced today. Just got a call back saying that they replaced the engine mount but the car is still jumping in to reverse. They think its the transmission and are trying to diagnose exactly what it is causing it now. They said if its not fixed it will just rip another mount.

I am PISSED OFF. The car was fine before I took it for its roadworthy!

Get the DIFF checked. Mine was doing that for a long time and I ignored it until the diff
rooted the trans.

Hi all, just an udate. Current diagnosis is the inhibitor switch. Mechanic is replacing it today, should be all sorted by this arvo.

Anyone know how big a job this is? What should I be expecting to pay?

I think mine had a similar problem, and think the switch was rooted from water or something. Not sure. i hate auto's now. Thank got its manual now :D

All fixed. Cost $550 all up to replace the engine mount & inhibitor switch.

All fixed. Cost $550 all up to replace the engine mount & inhibitor switch.

so it plays nicely now?

All fixed. Cost $550 all up to replace the engine mount & inhibitor switch.

My dad is having a similar problem - with the risk of sounding ignorant, what exactly does the inhibitor switch do?

What a story. What a complete farce. How annoying can cars be? You look at them sideways and they cost you huge lumps of money.

Erroneous diagnoses by mechanics &*$$ me off too.

Hope you get a good deal on the new car to ease the pain.

My dad is having a similar problem - with the risk of sounding ignorant, what exactly does the inhibitor switch do?

only allows the car to be started in either park on neutral (auto) - if you try to start the engine with the transmission "in gear" it wont start.

there is a similar sorta thing for manuals now - you can only start the car with the clutch fully depressed - regardless what position/ gear you leave it in - but i dont think magnas have that feature in manual?

only allows the car to be started in either park on neutral (auto) - if you try to start the engine with the transmission "in gear" it wont start.

there is a similar sorta thing for manuals now - you can only start the car with the clutch fully depressed - regardless what position/ gear you leave it in - but i dont think magnas have that feature in manual?


I know Hyundai's need to have the clutch fully depressed to start the engine. Had the pleasure of hiring one and looked like a idiot asking how to start the car. :redface: