NSG370 trouble going into reverse

4.0_daniel_

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I just bought a 2005 TJ with 120k miles a couple days ago, learned how to drive stick with it. The only problem I have as well as anyone who has drive it so far, is the reverse. Reverse is a huge pain to go in, and sometimes it goes in, but just slips back into sixth. Any tips or tricks for getting it to work smoothly? What could the issue be?
 
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TSB NUMBER: 21-006-05
GROUP: Transmission
DATE: February 24, 2005

This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retreival system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
THIS BULLETIN IS BEING PROVIDED IN ADVANCE. DO NOT ORDER PARTS OR
PERFORM ANY ACTIONS RELATED TO THIS BULLETIN UNTIL MARCH 07, 2005.
SUBJECT:
NSG370 6-Spd Transmission - May Not Remain In Reverse Gear When Selected
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves replacing both the internal shift subassembly and the mainshaft
reverse gear components.
MODELS:
2005 (KJ) Liberty / Cherokee
2005 (TJ) Wrangler
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a NSG-370 6-speed manual
transmission (sales code DEH).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Upon shifting the 6-speed manual transmission into Reverse, the customer may notice that
reverse gear may not remain engaged.
This condition may follow/develop shortly after an accidental mis-shift into reverse has
occurred. While the vehicle is moving forward and already in a forward gear, instead of
shifting into another forward gear the reverse gear is incorrectly selected. Though reverse
can not be obtained during the mis-shift attempt, damage to the internal shift subassembly
and reverse gear may occur which may later prevent full reverse gear engagement when
reverse is selected properly. The customer should be made aware of proper shift
procedures.
This condition may also occur if the center floor console and/or shifter boot are not
positioned properly.
DIAGNOSIS:
1. Verify that the center floor console and shifter boot are not preventing the transmission
shifter from fully engaging reverse. Verify that the console is centered properly to the
shifter. Verify that the shifter boot is installed properly.
2. If the center console and shifter boot are properly installed, and the transmission fails
to remain in reverse as designed, perform the Repair Procedure.
NUMBER: 21-006-05
GROUP: Transmission
DATE: February 24, 2005
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
1 05175903AA Kit, Reverse Gear - 4x4 or 4x2 (inc. internal
shift subassembly, reverse gear, reverse
syncrho sleeve, reverse blocker ring,
retaining snap rings, oil seals, and counter
shaft seal plug )
1 04318083 Mopar® Gasket Maker
2 04874464 Lubricant, Mopar® Manual Transmission
(MS-9224)
SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
9648 Mainshaft Build Fixture
9633 Build Fixture
NPN 3-Jaw Puller
W-262 Hub Installer
NPN Hydraulic Press
9638 Seal Installer
9635 Seal Installer
9636 Shaft Remover and Installer
7829-A Plug Installer
C-4171 Handle
6448A Bearing Installer - Tube
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
Replace the manual transmission internal shift subassembly and reverse gear
components. Refer to detailed disassembly and assembly repair procedures in
TechCONNECT which are available in Group 21 - Transmission and Transfer Case /
Manual Transmission - NSG370.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
21-006-05 -2-
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation
No:
Description Amount
21-00-03-98 Replace Manual Transmission Internal Shift
Assembly And Reverse Gear Components - TJ
3.9 Hrs.
21-00-03-98 Replace Manual Transmission Internal Shift
Assembly And Reverse Gear Components - KJ
3.6 Hrs.
21-00-06-60 Optional Equipment:
4x4 Equipped - KJ
0.8 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE:
J1 Jumps Out Of Gear
-3- 21-006-05
 
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I just bought a 2005 TJ with 120k miles a couple days ago, learned how to drive stick with it. The only problem I have as well as anyone who has drive it so far, is the reverse. Reverse is a huge pain to go in, and sometimes it goes in, but just slips back into sixth. Any tips or tricks for getting it to work smoothly? What could the issue be?
Two things, first be sure to use a synchromesh transmission fluid. I use Amsoil but the Pennsoil stuff works and is available most everywhere. I’d stay away from redline for the NSG370 especially if in cold climates.

Also try removing the shifter boot. It just unclips. If it’s been lifted or the transfer case lowered it can cause the stick to hit the counsel when putting it in reverse. If it is it can be trimmed to clear.
 
Push the clutch in as you come to a complete stop go into neutral let the clutch out fully while in neutral push the clutch back in and put it into reverse.

If already in Neutral push in the clutch put it as far as it will go into reverse until you feel the resistance lift the clutch a bit to just biting point, dip the clutch down again and it will go in while you are still putting it in . :)

Mine does the same but I have driven manual almost exclusive all my 40 odd years of driving and once you get the knack of this shit gearbox you will be good to go.
 
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I am having a great experience with Redline MT-90 to help with the hard shifts. Before I switched I had issues with it popping out of 1st and reverse and 1st to 2nd also rough.
 
Change the fluid, check the boot and make sure it's not the issue..I had the same scenario and it turned into a rebuilt transmission..how are the other gears?
 
I am having a great experience with Redline MT-90 to help with the hard shifts. Before I switched I had issues with it popping out of 1st and reverse and 1st to 2nd also rough.
Redline did nothing to mine except cause a 1st to 2nd rough change, correct oil cant really do that but it showed up a problem that wasn't noticeable before the Redline. Reverse hasn't changed it was always hit or miss until I got used to it.
I watched the vid posted below and its the fork assembly plastic pads that wear or melt.
I can get it in reverse every time "if I take my time", if I try to rush it its hit or miss because I presume my reverse folk pads are worn, Redline is a good oil but its not really a cure or a fix in my opinion, I put mine in with general maintenance and wished I left the original in because I had no 1st-2nd problems.

 
My original Trans had the same issue, popping out of reverse. Didn't matter how slow I shifted, etc... I always fully press the clutch shifting.

I replaced the Trans with a new MOPAR unit in 2012, and have never had issues since.
 
As far as it coming out of gear; just keep a little pressure on the shifter while you're in reverse. I do this with mine and it works well.
 
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As far as it coming out of gear; just keep a little pressure on the shifter while you're in reverse. I do this with mine and it works well.
Agreed, but sometimes you need to use both hands for reversing, and other things... then BAM it sounds and feels like you were just rear-ended...
 
Agreed, but sometimes you need to use both hands for reversing, and other things... then BAM it sounds and feels like you were just rear-ended...
I agree, it's a pain in the ass. But it works. I've got 170k on mine so I expect some functionality issues. It's no SM420, that's for sure.
 
I can personally get in R on the first try about 60% of time. Other people about 5% of the time. It’s now my theft security system. 🤣

To get into gear I have to slam it in pretty good and hold it to make sure it’s in. I don’t usually have to hold it once I’m moving backwards.

Another idea is to put it in reverse before you kill it so the next time you get in it’s already in gear (if, of course you’re parking in the garage and intend to back out the next time you get in the Jeep).

I feel your pain. You do know this is a Mercedes transmission. Go figure. 😕
 
I can personally get in R on the first try about 60% of time. Other people about 5% of the time. It’s now my theft security system. 🤣

To get into gear I have to slam it in pretty good and hold it to make sure it’s in. I don’t usually have to hold it once I’m moving backwards.

Another idea is to put it in reverse before you kill it so the next time you get in it’s already in gear (if, of course you’re parking in the garage and intend to back out the next time you get in the Jeep).

I feel your pain. You do know this is a Mercedes transmission. Go figure. 😕
Payback for the war lol
 
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