Why Does the Car Roll Backward in Neutral Gear?
2 Answers
The reason the car rolls backward in neutral gear is due to an uneven parking surface, causing the vehicle to slip. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Cause: Not all parking surfaces are completely level. When starting the car, if the handbrake is released first, it can easily lead to the vehicle slipping forward or backward, creating a dangerous situation. 2. Tighten the Handbrake: To prevent the car from slipping when starting, it's essential to master the half-engagement point of the clutch. When using the handbrake to start, pull the handbrake tightly and release it slowly. 3. Control the Clutch: When starting, stop lifting the clutch once it reaches the engagement point to avoid stalling the engine. Also, do not press the clutch down to prevent the car from slipping. After starting, wait until the car moves forward steadily before slowly releasing the clutch pedal completely; otherwise, the engine may stall again.
Last time at the repair shop, I also encountered an owner reporting this issue. Normally, the car shouldn't roll backward in neutral since the transmission gears are disengaged. However, there are several possibilities to consider: The most likely scenario is the vehicle rolling on a slope, which has nothing to do with the gear position but is simply gravity at work. Another possibility is an automatic transmission malfunction, such as a stuck valve body or a computer program glitch, causing the car to mistakenly think it's still in reverse. For older cars, it could also be due to a loose shift cable, where you've moved the lever to neutral but it's actually still stuck in reverse. If you notice this situation when parking, be extra careful—don't hastily exit the vehicle. First, try shifting gears again to confirm it's truly in neutral. I recommend going to a professional repair shop for a transmission inspection as soon as possible.
