Did a search and couldn't find anything real definitive. T56 in an 05 GTO. All other gears work. Reverse will not go in unless you're rolling backwards. If you're rolling back, it goes in like butter (if you shift to another gear first). Looking at the service manual posted on the T56 sticky, it seems they suggest looking at the reverse switch. I'm assuming this is the reverse light switch? When trying to get in reverse, I can see the reverse lights come on even if it won't go all the way into the reverse gate. Can I assume that that is not the issue?

It's not the lockout solenoid ... it will move over, just not up into the gear.

Synchro? As long as it rolls backwards, it's fine.

 

check your fuse under the hood, mine did this a week ago and it was a blown fuse labeled "Engine something" cant remember exactly what it was off the top of my head.

 

If you're referring to the fuse tied to the lockout solenoid, that's not it. Already checked. Also, if that fuse went out, it would block you from moving over past the lockout mechanism (tho, you can still do it with some force).

 

I would like to see some more ideas on this issue here. I periodically have a similar issue, although i've noticed that i can also fully engage reverse if i let out the clutch a hair.

 

I've eliminated the reverse light switch as a culprit. Doubtful it's the lockout solenoid and fuses are all good. Gear doesn't grind when it does go in ... as long as it's rolling back, shift to another gear and into reverse and she goes right in.

:shrug:

 

hu mine pops in hard when i go for rev. with some force though that has be thinking now wtf.sometimes i cant even get it in rev till i try about 3 or 4 times and them pops in hard.

 

Try putting it in 2nd before going into reverse. That always worked for me.

 

It sounds like a damaged / worn reverse synchronizer...only a teardown can fix this one.

 

figures and all the other gears are smooth.guess sence i dont drive it much ill wait till it goes out to pull it and have it fixed.thanks guys

 

Anyone have a good write-up (preferably with pics) on how to swap the reverse synchro? Never torn into a tranny and don't exactly want to fugg it up. The 'T56 Rebuild' sticky doesn't really do a good job of pointing out the reverse synchro.