Strider, that is the problem. It's a very common malfunction.

 

I have a 99 GT T45 5 speed.

The car has been very well, had to replace the intake, but it was pretty easy job.

The only problem ive seen other than that is the T45 reverse issues.
Sometime its hard to get the car in reverse unless you roll the car forward a little then it goes into reverse fine.

Guess it another common problem ive read about

Other than that cant go wrong with these cars.
Reliable is a good word for the Stang.

Oh some rattles but what car doesnt have a few rattles here and there.
My Cobalt ss\sc (POS) was a rattle box and doesnt even compare to the Stangs quality and that was a 2006.
When it comes to the Stang , Ford did it well

Good Luck with your 97, youll enjoy every moment of it
My 2

 

Mine does the same thing. The T4 and T45 are based on an old design. The reverse issue happens but its not a result of a malfunction and there isn't anything to repair. Reverse in the T45 transmission does not have a syncronizer that aligns the gears. You have to sometimes jog the car a little to get the teeth to line up.

 

Is there a way to repair it or does it need replaced?

 

Only way to fix them is to replace the retractor (seatbelt + strap)

There was a tsb for installing a teflon like tape to help it slide smoother but if it doesnt retract at all then it needs a new one, no repairing it

 

I've had this problem for such a long time now that I've gotten used to just slinging the seatbelt backwards like towards the back of my seat when I get out of the car lol

 

Although forunate this is not a common failure... these guys failed big time:










Jazzer is sad

 

seat belts, reverse, intake cracks, and the clutch sqeek. Thats really all of the issues I know of with the stangs

 

Jazzer, those cars are works of art

 

stock gears fail.... replace them immediately with 4.10s or you might end up getting left behind on the road