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No Reverse?

Tiny
SRW35
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 139,000 MILES
Hi! I have a 97 explorer sport with 139k miles on it. Recently the reverse just stopped working in it. Then, just last week I was stopped at a red light and hit the gas pedal and it wouldn't drive forward. We've put a brand new water & fuel pump into, and just don't want to get a new car. What do you think could be wrong with it?
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Sunday, November 7th, 2010 AT 6:22 PM

38 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,168 POSTS
Will it move if you shift the transmission in 1 or 2? If you do not have reverse, you have an internal failure in the unit.

It will have to be removed and inspected for the failure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Do you have any codes set? It sounds like you may have a gear range sensor that is out but to be sure lets run down these guides to help us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down these guides and report back.

When was the last time you changed the fluid and filter?
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 10:27 AM
Tiny
SRW35
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The car will go forward in 2nd gear, but will not go into reverse nor will it go forward in first gear
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Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,168 POSTS
It sounds like a broken band. I hate to say it, but I beileve it needs removed and taken apart to identify where the problem is coming from.
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Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 AT 10:11 AM
Tiny
RAMCCULLOUGH311
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1997 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 219,000 MILES
When I put the truck in forward or reverse and press the gas the rpms shoot up and the truck dosent move. Also when shifting from second to third you have to let off the gas and then it will shift.
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there,

This is an internal problem with the transmission, I would be thinking that it is a fluid pressure related problem, a scan may shed some light onto the issue, I would get this done by a trans specialist as they will be aware of particular problems that may be common with this transmission, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RAMCCULLOUGH311
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
We have had it put on a computer and 5 different codes popped up. I have checked the fluid in it and it was a little low so I topped it off but it did not fix the problem!
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
What were the codes you got?

Mark (mhpautos)
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SHARON NESMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 FORD EXPLORER
1997 Ford Explorer Two Wheel Drive 6900.0 miles

I replaced the motor and now it will not move when I put it into reverse or drive.
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,168 POSTS
Is it the same transmission? Are you sure the fluid is full? Are you sure the cooling lines correctly attached? Did the torque converter slip easily into the front pump and is it bolted to the flywheel? Is the linkage attached correctly?
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMJA1011
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 FORD EXPLORER
Transmission problem
1997 Ford Explorer Four Wheel Drive Automatic 182000 miles

I have a '97 ford explorer xlt with a little over 180,000 miles on it. About 5 or 6 months ago it started grinding slightly but has gotten worse over time. It grinds when I put the car in reverse, when I go above 50 miles per hour, and also especially on hills. I've been told the transmission needs replaced but before I can do that I have to figure out the exact one I need. The only thing I don't know is if it needs a transmission with or without an overdrive drum sensor.
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Two trannys used in these are e4od and 4r70w here are the pan gaskets for both, this will tell you which tranny you have.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_e4od_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_4r70w_1.jpg

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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,395 POSTS
Just a question out of the blue. Are you sure it's not your transfer case?
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
I have a 97 explorer that drives perfectly fine in all forward gears but refuses to go in reverse. Initially I thought in was an internal transmission problem but now think it may be linkage. I recently noticed that it also won't move forward or backward while in neutral with the engine running or not. Yet it stills drives forward. Also the shifter needle nevers quite points to the gear I put it in. It's more like in between. Anyone have experience with this or suggestions.
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there,

You best get your mechanic to inspect the linkage adjustment. But I feel it may be a transmission problem, as normally when the adjustment is out, and you select through the gears you will normally still be able to pick up all the gears, (feel it engage as you shift through) have the adjustments check first as a precaution, as you don't want them removing the box for no reason.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOLLAZ
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 1996 FORD EXPLORER
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Transmission will go in reverse but when in drive it will not move. Can changing the fluid and filter solve this issue?
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening.

I doubt it. When the filter is clogged, it usually affects all gears.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

It sounds like the forward clutch pack has failed internally.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Roy
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOLLAZ
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
So only solution is new transmission or rebuild?
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Correct, or a used one for replacement.

Roy
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOLLAZ
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Okay, thanks for the insight.
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 8:59 AM (Merged)

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