
The reasons for difficulty in engaging reverse gear in the new Santana are generally divided into two situations: cold car and hot car. The specific conditions are as follows: 1. Reasons for difficulty in shifting when the car is cold: wear of the shift linkage, poor performance of the release fork shaft, insufficient clutch travel leading to incomplete disengagement, and excessive viscosity of the transmission oil. 2. Reasons for difficulty in shifting when the car is hot: wear of the shift linkage, deterioration of the clutch pressure plate performance leading to incomplete disengagement, and reduced performance of the clutch oil due to temperature effects. Adjustment is needed, or the clutch kit may need to be replaced. 3. Transmission oil: Whether it is related to the transmission oil can only be determined after an on-site inspection.

As an experienced driver who frequently gets behind the wheel, I've encountered the issue of difficulty engaging reverse gear in the new Santana multiple times. The most common causes are either an improperly adjusted or severely worn clutch, which leads to uneven power transmission and a noticeable jerkiness when shifting. Another possibility is old or degraded transmission fluid, resulting in insufficient lubrication, especially noticeable during cold starts in winter. I once had a close call in rainy weather when reverse gear wouldn't engage properly while backing up, nearly hitting a wall—it was terrifying. I'd recommend the owner try pressing the clutch pedal a few extra times before shifting to see if that helps; if not, check the fluid level and replace it immediately if it's too dirty. Persistent issues like this can damage internal transmission components, so don't skip regular maintenance—change the fluid every 20,000 kilometers. Safety comes first; failure to engage reverse gear can easily lead to accidents, so it's better to stop and inspect the issue rather than force it. Actually, this kind of problem is common in new cars and usually resolves after the break-in period with a simple adjustment. In any case, don't force the gear—seek professional help for a proper fix.

Having worked in this car repair industry for over a decade, I've seen many cases of difficult reverse gear engagement in the new Santana. The main causes often lie in the clutch system, such as excessive or overly tight pedal travel, resulting in insufficient force for gear engagement. It could also be due to insufficient or deteriorated transmission fluid, leading to poor lubrication and increased resistance. If the shift cable is rusty, bent, or loose, the transmission action becomes less responsive. Sometimes, new cars may have improper factory assembly adjustments. I recommend owners check the dipstick themselves—if the fluid level is low, top it up; if it's normal, check if the clutch free travel is appropriate—about 10mm is ideal. If the problem persists, professional tools are needed to inspect the transmission internals, such as synchronizer wear. For prevention, avoid frequently riding the clutch and change the fluid according to the manual. Delaying repairs can easily damage gears or shift forks, leading to higher repair costs. Seasonal effects are also significant, with smoother gear shifts in summer due to higher oil temperatures.

I just bought a Santana and can't engage the reverse gear, which is really frustrating. It might be because the clutch isn't fully depressed, or there's an issue with the transmission fluid in the new car. Some say the cable is stuck and needs replacement. A simple solution is to check the fluid level—top it up if it's low. If that doesn't work, take it to the 4S shop immediately without hesitation. Otherwise, if it gets stuck while reversing and hits something, it could be disastrous—safety comes first. Try not to shift gears on a slope. I checked online forums, and many people complain about new cars having this issue, so it's best to get it fixed quickly under warranty. In short, don't just put up with it—spend a little money for peace of mind.


