M/T - MTX Reverse Gear Shift Pattern Change
85ford05Article No. 85-5-15
TRANSMISSION - MANUAL -MTX 5 SPEED - NEW PROCEDURES FOR SHIFTING INTO THE REVERSE GEAR POSITION
FORD 1985 ESCORT/EXP/TEMPO
LINCOLN-MERCURY 1985 LYNX/TOPAZ
The 1985 model MTX reverse gear shift pattern position was relocated from left of 1st gear to under 5th gear in all 5-speed Manual Transaxles for the subject vehicle applications. A design feature which was incorporated with this revision is a lockout mechanism to prevent inadvertent shifts into reverse when downshifting from 5th gear, so as to avoid possible reverse gear damage.
Many customers are not aware of this feature, and are inadvertently bypassing the lockout mechanism (partial 5th gear shift) when attempting to shift the transaxle into reverse gear.
Prior to updating the Owner's Guide, it is requested that dealership personnel provide the following information to customers who express difficulty engaging reverse gear:
"The 5-speed Manual Transaxle contains a special lockout feature which prevents inadvertent shifts into reverse when downshifting from 5th gear. Reverse gear can only be engaged after shifting from the neutral position between 3rd and 4th gear. It is extremely important that the vehicle be totally stopped and the clutch pedal fully depressed prior to shifting into reverse".
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"