What reverse lockout does
Grabbing reverse while the car is moving forward at speed can do serious damage to a gearbox. Transmissions that guard against this use a reverse lockout solenoid that blocks the shift into reverse. The Elite's Reverse Lockout function energizes that solenoid once the car is traveling above a speed you set, so reverse can't be selected until you've slowed back down.
Because the function works on road speed, the ECU needs a working vehicle speed input. Set up and check your vehicle speed sensor first.
Wiring tab
- Reverse Lockout Output: the Elite output wired to the lockout solenoid. This is normally a DPO (digital pulsed output).
- Active State: sets the polarity. With the default Low, the ECU grounds the output wire when the lockout should be on. High reverses it, grounding the wire when the lockout is off and releasing it when it's on.
Most setups feed the solenoid switched 12V and let the ECU switch the ground, which suits Low. If the solenoid draws more current than the output is rated for, drive it through a relay.
Reverse Lockout tab
| Setting | What it does | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Lockout Speed | The vehicle speed at which the ECU activates the lockout solenoid | A low walking-pace speed, so reverse is blocked as soon as the car is really moving, but still available when parking |
Testing it
- With the car stationary, confirm reverse can be selected normally.
- Use the output test in ESP to activate the output and confirm the solenoid clicks and blocks reverse.
- On a safe, quiet road, roll forward past the lockout speed and gently check that reverse is blocked. Never force the lever.
- Log vehicle speed and the output state together to confirm the switch happens where you expect.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Usually |
|---|---|
| Reverse blocked even when stopped | Active State set the wrong way, so the solenoid is on when it should be off |
| Reverse never blocked | No vehicle speed signal, wrong output, or no power to the solenoid |
| Lockout drops in and out | Noisy or erratic speed signal |
Setting up a gearbox swap or a manual conversion? Book a free consultation and we'll help you plan the wiring. Similar on/off functions include Air Pump and Dual Intake Runner.
