'89 sentra automatic "doesn't go into reverse."

[Raggleflaggle]

I may be able to snap one up on the cheap, besides regular transmission fluid analytics and trigonomical shifter handle fiddling what else could i diagnosticate with? 

 

I have read tell of some shift cable stay clip that may pop off, but have only found dead image links of it.

[datzenmike]

If everything else works except reverse then in order of probability...

 

Oil level

Selector linkage adjustment. 

Line pressure

Manual valve

Oil quality

 

Anything else has to be looked at internally.

 

Oil should be bright red and see through, not pink or cloudy, definitely NOT black.

 

 

[Raggleflaggle]

What is this manual valve you speak of?

I'm not going the be able to do anything elaborate, it's very much a "come get it out my yard" type deal. 

No common issues or anything like that with that gen of sentra? 

[datzenmike]

That was from a RWD 3N71B automatic, I assume that FWD are similar in operation.

 

Engine on, brakes applied, slowly move selector from PARK into REVERSE.  You should be able to feel the shift lever click into place and into every other position NEUTRAL, DRIVE, 2ND AND 1ST. The shifter position should agree with the gear selected.