Getting into Reverse.

[tekebird]

you should be able to do this from the tranny door, so no danger of getting run over.  Besides, once it is in reverse the person does not have to stand there

[Lin]

Just checking, are you sure that the solenoid is bad and not that there is a connection or switch problem?

[WEC4104]

There are folks that have claimed success by taking apart the solenoid, cleaning it, and putting it back together. I tried that with mine, but still had intermitent operation.

I noticed mine had grooves worn where they weren't supposed to be. Years of engine vibration?

On a trip through New England, mine failed to go into reverse at a roadside produce stand. I found that if I applied a little upward pressure on the post sticking out the back of the solenoid lever, it would change gears, even using the dash switch.  I rigged a bunge cord from the solenoid lever to something high in the engine compartment.  It worked great for the next week and 700 miles which got me home. Purchased a new solenoid from Luke a week later.

Some other folks have blamed the solenoid, only to discover there was a control relay problem in the back electrical compartment.

[zubzub]

you don't really need a manual.  Just go back there, open the trans side door, see how the solenoide pushes(pulls) on the tranny.  assist the solenoide while the other person does the first two second shift in the cockpit.  It took  me about 10 mins to remove the solenoide, clean it up, lube it, dress the contact points and have the reverse gear back.

[NJT 5573]

If the engine is off and trans in neutral ,you can take a long screw driver and pry out the 2 gear shaft. (about 1 inch). If you are alone you can c clamp or vice grip some lath or wood to hold the shaft out. I have wrapped mine with baling wire and it held the shaft ok but took a while to get it off after I backed up.

My trans would allow the shaft to be pryed out to engage the R gear from neutral. I have heard some say it must be done from 1st. If you can't move it in N then I guess you have to pry the shaft out from 1st. Once the shaft is out shifting into 2nd will lock up R.

[Lin]

The GM sequence requires going into first before shifting to reverse.  MCI lets you go direct from neutral.

[Dreamscape]

FWIW,

My Eagle manual says go from neutral to second while holding down the button, then release it after finding second/reverse. 

Wonder why all brands don't agree on the procedure for the same trans.?

I know if my solenoid goes out I have a spare. They are so robust that they should last a long time if treated properly.

Paul