Ask an expert

Reverse gear is almost dead in my 1998 automatic Hyundai Lantra. I have to reverse hard to get any movement and stopping the revs is like putting on the brake. The other gears seem fine.

Am I likely to need to replace the entire transmission or could it be something else?

Helen

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 27 August 2009

From the way you are describing the problem I would suspect the fault is internal and therefore expensive to repair.

Unfortunately the transmission will need to be dismantled to clearly identify the total costs involved which means you will be committed financially to some form of repair.

To overhaul the transmission properly you could receive an estimate / invoice for around the $2500 mark. This will cover a full overhaul which is the only way to guarantee the repair for any length of time. While you have only one issue with the transmission it is almost certain other internals will need overhauling as well.

You can choose to fit a second hand transmission but this is really a hit and miss option in my opinion as there are limited guarantees which normally only cover the transmission (no labour) if there is a future problem. And most of these warranties only last three months.

The issue many people face is the cost of these types of repairs and the value of the car, one can quickly outweigh the other. For some however its better the devil you know than the one you don't if you get my drift.

There are several AA approved automatic specialists in the main centres, I suggest you make contact with the one most convenient to you and arrange a test drive and to discuss possible options.