Wrangler TJ 2005 won’t shift into reverse

[Efthimis Tj]

Hello guys,
I’m having an issue with my NSG370 (Wrangler TJ 2.4 Sport 2005). When I push the selector directly with a screwdriver through the tower, reverse goes in with a bit of force but without grinding. However, when I try with the shifter, it grinds badly and most of the time won’t go in, unless I release the clutch a little and then it “clacks” into place. Also when trying to push the selector all the way right to reach reverse it’s super difficult (it needs a lot of force even for that)

Should I change the shift tower? Could it be the problem itself, or should I start worrying about something deeper inside the gearbox?

(attaching some photos of the shifter for reference and a video pushing the reverse with the screwdriver)

Video:

 

[Rubikane]

Had the same problem with mine .

As I recall , the shifter fork is bent just enough to not go into reverse smoothly
I ended up having the trans rebuilt .
A good google search will help with your question .

 

[Efthimis Tj]

That actually makes sense. But when I put it into reverse with a screwdriver directly (like in the video), it goes in smoothly and works fine — no grinding, no popping out, nothing weird. So it seems to function normally once it’s engaged, the problem is only getting the shifter to push it all the way I guess.

 

[Rubikane]

Exactly, if I could get it into gear it was alright.
Getting it into gear was the problem

 

[Efthimis Tj]

Exactly, if I could get it into gear it was alright.
Getting it into gear was the problem

Your shifter tower though was ok? Or you changed it too?

 

[Rubikane]

I did not do the work myself
I had the trans rebuilt
This was over 15 years ago

 

[JKP]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/nsg370-trouble-going-into-reverse.58494/post-1034578