pops out of reverse

[Nasoj007]

I recently purchased a 96 cavalier with a 5spd and I have an annoying problem. When I put the car in reverse it will sometimes jump out of gear(it only happens with reverse and seems to be worse when backing up a hill). It's almost like it doesn't fully engage. I've taken it back to the dealer and they say it's normal and I just have to "slap it into gear harder". I've driven plenty of standards and I've never had to slam any of them into reverse. I don't have the owners manual so I'm wondering if there's a trick to putting it into reverse that I'm not aware of. Is this normal!!!

P.S. The dealers suggestion seems to work but it seems to be excessive and hard on the shifter.

[Knifeblade]

check the reverse linkage arm for full travel to engage the pawl. A possible is the small mechanism in the shift console, under the shift console plate, is not fully engaging, and allowing the shifter arm to release. This mechanism has plastic parts, which wear, sigh. The catch sometimes can't engage the reverse lever-arm fully once worn, and will pop back out. "Slamming" just accelearates the wear.

[Knifeblade]

either way, it seems like an adjustment or a worn part. It is NOT, repeat NOT, normal, nor is it safe!! for the reverse gear to pop out like you said.

[noshun]

This will happen in a 9 year old car. It's not too much of a problem. You just have to be sure it engages properly and park with the parkbrake/e-brake/handbrake on! It's usually stretched shifter cables! They just stretch over time. Don't Whack it back just try easing it in all the way back and if it feels like it hasn't gone in, put it in neutral lift the clutch and then try again. If this happens you can always apply the brake while you are doing this!