Yamaha Timberwolf 250 1998 will only shift into reverse when in gear

[BruceG]

I have a Timberwolf 250 that will only shift into reverse when it is in gear. It will not shift if in neutral. Has anyone had the same issue and if so how did you fix it?

[Yammy]

Can you provide more information? Because this doesn't make sense. If you shift it to neutral then it should stay in neutral. If you want it in reverse then you have to shift it into reverse.

Check all the shift levers for operation and proper movement, grease joint if required. Check the oil level in the transmission if you have a dipstick or the means to do so.

The more information you provide the better!

[BruceG]

There is a separate reverse lever. If the quad is in neutral the reverse lever will not move but if you change to 1st gear, then the reverse lever will move and allow you to change into reverse. Of course you need to simultaneously be pressing the rear brake pedal. 

[Yammy]

Now i understand. Sounds like something is out of adjustment. Usually they have safeties in place. Check to see if any of the linkages are loose or bolts that have come off from vibration or broken. On a two lever system, the safeties prevent the operator to shift into reverse if you're going forward without going through neutral or stopping and so on.

If you are courageous to attempt to fix it yourself, one thing I'd recommend you do is take a lot of pictures... almost for every step that you take or task you perform! I promise this comes in handy. If you share more photos, I'm sure we can resolve it together

Let me know what you find!

[Stilkikn]

My Bear Tracker 250 requires that it be in first gear before shifting into reverse. It is designed that way and talks about it in the owner manual. I suspect that your Timber Wolf uses the same transmission in which case there is no problem . See below.

From Owners Manual

Drive select lever operation and reverse driving
CAUTION:Before shifting, stop the machine and re-turn the throttle lever to its closed posi-tion. Otherwise the transmission may bedamaged.NOTE:

When shifting into reverse, the transmissionmust be in first gear.

1. Bring the machine to a complete stopand return the throttle lever to the closedposition

.2. Apply the rear brake pedal.

3. Shift the transmission into first gear.

4. While pulling the lock release button,move the drive select lever toward therear until it completely stops

[BruceG]

Thank you for this info. It just seemed weird as my other three Yamaha ATVs all need to be in Neutral before engaging reverse. I am sure that it is the exact same transmission

[Yammy]

You guys are great!

I love seeing people help people. My hat goes off to you! Cheers

Enjoy the quading.

Yammy

[BruceG]

I agree. This site is fantastic. Everyone is so willing to help and there is no substitute for experience.

[jeff1]

Yes, I have an ‘87 Yamaha Moto 4 350 same procedure for reverse. Shifter is also used for high & low range on mine….

[cookmb11]

Yes, this is a weird way of operating reverse but none the less a second nature when you get used to it!