Although I never want to try that, I have always wondered, if it might be possible to accidentally change into reverse while driving along in a V12 Auto.

 

OB,

Never tried it in the XJS but happened a number of times accidentally in my my Rover 3500 SDI in the 80s. I used to try and slip it into Neutral when bowling along in order to try and save fuel. However, the silly design of the gate meant that I sometimes slipped it into Reverse! The rear wheels would chirp once as the transmission and torque converter vainly tried to go from 70mph forwards to Reverse, the engine would stall and the car just coasted along until I slipped it into Neutral, restarted the engine and flicked it back into Drive. So now I know why the Titanic couldn't stop in time! Don't try it!

Paul

 

I have to 'Fess up' and say I nearly did it, while I was going from Drive to Second and Back.

But just managed to stop myself just in time!

 

OB since the statute of limitations has long since expired, I'll share this story. Some dude I used to know, let's call him Plink Metalhorn - may or may not have been having a spirited drive to the club with some friends. Last one there buys all the drinks.

Plink, finding the XJS gearing woefully unsuited for street racing, tried to slam the gearshift lever into a lower gear. Upon reaching for the lever, a shirt cuff, wristband, watchband, or some similar encumbrance snagged the T portion of the lever and neatly slotted it into reverse at ~40-50 mph.

This resulted in the engine immediately shutting off, a chirping of the wheels, and a brief but controllable skid. After a moment of "OH ****" panic - shifted into neutral, turned the ignition, and it fired right back up like nothing ever happened.

Allegedly.

 

Thanks Flint

Even so it doesn't really bear thinking about!

 

Tried it once by accident but the graunching noise and vibration through the gear stick prevented full engagement.
The uncle of a friend of succeeded totally in his brand new Ford Probe (serves him right). 80 mph on the motorway; basically the wheels stopped going round and the entire drive line went into self destruct mode; mega cool.

 

Yes you can. The shifter is horrible. Lol

 

Would one of the Mods kindly corrrrrrect my spellllllin in the Tietal.

Than Q.

Should read Change into Reverse.