I know about that little switch below the reel, and it does the same thing (if not more) even after switching it back and forth. If it helps diagnose the problem, I did slam the rod and accompanying reel on the pavement one day after losing a fish. A bad move on my part, and I regret it. I am just trying to figure out what I broke and if I can easily fix it. It is a nice abu garcia 2500 slatwater reel that doubles as my inshore rod when not chasing bass. I would hate to lose it.