Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Hi all- i need some urgent help please. We are on holiday in eastern cape and my 4.8GRX suddenly does not have reverse gear. I reversed the caravan into its place with my front tyres only on a downward slope (quite steep) and used 4H (afterwards realised 4L should have been used). Got it in place no issues but when i unhooked and moved forward i could not get reverse again. Engine just revs as if it is in N but does not engage R. Tried 4H 4L and 2H but no luck. In 2H it eventually kicks in on very high refs and it spins off backwards as it engages at high revs on a flat surface only.

Wanted to explore the wild coast but not taking chances with no reverse. What can the problem be? Does it sound like gearbox problems or just a sensor or something. Can i still tow my caravan back home to CPT like this?

Im a lament and need explanations and solutions to be simple.

Thanks in advance.

IR_Eddie look if your reverse/brake lights are still working - a short there will limit power to the engine.

Are there any fault codes? Remove battery negative overnight and see what it does.

Thanks David. Checked lights and found that 1. hazards don't work; 2. Only one sides reverse and brake light work when brakes are engaged and in R; 3. When brakes not engaged both reverse lights works;

I checked fuse box and only found the power socket fuse burned. Now im really confused (and hopefull that my problem might be a small electrical one and not gearbox related)

Any suggestions?

I would start with your trailer power socket on the car and check if the wiring there is correct. There is a wiring diagram here somewhere...

..then i will check the side not working.

I once replaced a bulb in the dark with the wrong type and had my parking lights come on when I step on the brakes - had me puzzled...

Doubt it is the gearbox much rather something simple

Ek hoop jy gaan nou reg kom want die computer moet die inligting van die ratkas af kry sodat die regte deel gekies kan word.

Cool thanks allot. I'll check it out and report back.

IR_Eddie wrote:I reversed the caravan into its place with my front tyres only

??? How is that possible?

Eddie, where in the E Cape are you?

Reversed caravan around a tight right corner with a slope on the left side. Front wheels ended up on the slope.

Im at yellow sands about 30km outside of east london.

Was at Nissan this morning and they cant pick up any error code. Said that the electrics is a bit confused with the brakelights but cant trace the fault. Nissan referred me to Mayfair gearboxes but they couldnt help either in such short notice. Guy there recons its the o-rings (seals) on the reverse piston in gearbox that leaks and it cant build enough presure to push the piston to engage reverse. If you rev it twice it sometimes pushes it into reverse. He recons 20k - 30k to strip and fix - ouch.

Anyone know a good gearbox specialist in CPT?

Dit gaan seker goedkoper wees om 'n manual ratkas in te sit.

Clem wrote:

IR_Eddie wrote:I reversed the caravan into its place with my front tyres only on a downward slope

??? How is that possible

Clem I think he means the caravan and the rear of the car was on level ground - only the front was on a slope...

IR_Eddie did you check if the wiring for the electrical sockets on the trailer and car is correct? Nissan is renowned for their excellent problem solving skills by replacing everything till the problem goes away.... I would take their advise with a pinch of salt

Did you reverse with the caravan anytime prior to this? I still think the gearbox gets the wrong signal due to a short - let me know before you start spending money