How to Engage First Gear and Reverse Gear?
2 Answers
Press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, then pull the gear lever upward or push it downward, depending on the specific vehicle model. From the neutral position, move the gear lever to the left until it's blocked and can't go further left, then push it all the way up to engage first gear. Move the gear lever to the right until it can't move further, then push it all the way down to engage reverse gear.
Shifting into first gear is straightforward: press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, hold the gear lever with your right hand, gently push it all the way to the left, and then forward, as if pushing the lever toward the front of the car. At this point, the dashboard will display a '1'. Reverse gear requires an extra step because manufacturers have designed a anti-misoperation feature. In about 80% of the manual transmission cars I've driven, you need to press the gear lever down to engage reverse, similar to pressing a combination lock—press and push forward to the left at the same time. However, some cars require lifting the ring below the gear lever instead—check your car's manual for specifics. The key point is to ensure the car is completely stopped before shifting into reverse; otherwise, you'll hear grinding noises, which can seriously damage the transmission.
