Driver cannot select reverse gear when vehicle speed is 9 mph (15 km/h) or less

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE:

When checking if the transmission will shift to reverse while the wheels are being driven forward, raise the vehicle on a lift, make sure it is securely supported, and allow the front wheels to rotate freely.
Do not release the clutch pedal if you can select reverse gear while the wheels are driven forward.
When the vehicle is on a lift, and you make the wheels rotate, turn off the VSA system by the VSA OFF switch.
Refer to How to Troubleshoot Circuits at the ECM Connectors in the Fuel and Emissions Systems section before troubleshooting this circuit (see HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT CIRCUITS AT THE ECM/PCM CONNECTORS ).

Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Try to shift the transmission into reverse.
Can you shift the transmission into the reverse?

YES -Go to step 4.

NO -Go to step 3.
Do the reverse lockout solenoid test (see REVERSE LOCKOUT SOLENOID TEST ).
Is the reverse lockout solenoid OK?

YES -Check the change lever assembly (see CHANGE LEVER ASSEMBLY DISASSEMBLY/REASSEMBLY ), if necessary inspect the internal transmission.

NO -Repair or replace the reverse lockout solenoid (see REVERSE LOCKOUT SOLENOID DISASSEMBLY/REASSEMBLY ).
Start the engine.
Can you shift the transmission into the reverse?

YES -lntermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.

NO -Go to step 5.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
Disconnect ECM connector C (49P).
Disconnect the reverse lockout solenoid 2P connector.
Check for continuity between body ground and reverse lockout solenoid 2P connector terminal No. 1.

Fig 1: Identifying Reverse Lockout Solenoid 2P Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short to body ground in the wire between the reverse lockout solenoid and the ECM.

NO -Check for loose terminals or poor connections at the ECM. If necessary, update the ECM if it does not have the latest software (see ECM/PCM UPDATE ), or substitute a known-good ECM (see SUBSTITUTING THE ECM/PCM ), then recheck. If the symptom goes away with a known-good ECM, replace the original ECM (see ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT ).