When transmission is shifted into reverse it acts like it is neutral

Tiny
AH8007
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 124,000 MILES
Was hauling a car with my flatbed trailer. Picked the car up and when I got back home I put the car in reverse and it moved good at first for about 10 feet then eventually the reverse went out.
Car drives great in forward gears. What could this be?
Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:30 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

This sounds like either a clutch pack or band has failed in the transmission.

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

The load may have been too much for the transmission. I would drop the pan and look for any debris and see if the filter is clogged.

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

This sounds like you will be either rebuilding or replacing the transmission.

Roy
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 4:12 AM
Tiny
AH8007
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Okay. I'm going to drop the pan today and see. Highly doubt the clutches failed. I barely drove it before it did that.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 4:46 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Do not be too sure.

It sounds like something failed and usually the clutches burn up from overheating from the load.

Keep me updated.

Roy
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 4:57 AM
Tiny
AH8007
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
But if that were the case why would it drive perfect in drive?
You don't think it could be the reverse servo or solenoid pack?
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 5:01 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It can drive forward fine but have no reverse.

No to the solenoid pack. It is not electronic. Engagement of reverse is mechanical, not electronic. If it was, you would have a code stored.

After you drop the pan and put it back together, the next step would be pressure tests for main line pressure in reverse. If that is good then the only thing left is internal.

Roy
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 5:14 AM
Tiny
AH8007
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Yeah was driving it down the street and the drive started whining and broke. Lol
I'm at the Upull junkyard now dropping a transmission.
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Keep me updated.

Make sure you flush out the cooler lines before installing so you do not get any debris from the old transmission into the replacement.

Roy
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Monday, April 13th, 2020 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
AH8007
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
Okay. Do you have any installation tutorial on this vehicle?
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 3:37 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Hello again.

I attached a youtube video for you on the removal and replacement of the transmission for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81YpdCWHXyk

Roy
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 4:00 AM
Tiny
AH8007
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
Thanks for the help bought a $200.00 junkyard transmission and I installed it in the driveway. Runs great now.
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good deal. Glad to hear it.

You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 6:16 PM

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