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When I attempted to shift the transmission into reverse to back up, it shut off?

Tiny
DBROCK123
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 FORD F-250
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 171,000 MILES
Today I drove about 10 miles, came home pulled into my parking spot, then put in reverse and it wouldn't go in reverse. I stopped the truck and started it again; it still wouldn't go in reverse. I then started it again and this time it went in reverse. Is my transmission belt bad? How can I confirm before I take it to a mechanic? Not sure what to look for, the truck has been running extremely well up until now. I also noticed that when I started it this morning, I attempted to put it in reverse to back up, it cut off. Not sure what to do, please help.
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Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 AT 2:24 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,254 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked to make sure the transmission fluid is clean and full? Does the shifter feel normal when changing gears? Does the check engine light remain on while the engine is running?

If you haven't already, check the transmission fluid. If it is low, it could be a problem.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

Let me know.

Take care,

joe
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Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
DBROCK123
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  • 32 POSTS
No engine light, shifting is not hard, the level is low, however. Going to the auto shop to add some in. Should I take it to a transmission place or a local mechanic? Guess I assumed if it was running low, I would have noticed something. Any suggestions as to where I can take it for a proper analysis?
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Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
DBROCK123
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
I just added about a quart, let it run a little, then when I tried shifting the gear from p to r nothing happened. I then shut it off, tried again and it shifted. Is this going to be a problem or do I need to let it sit for a while for the fluid to affect the moving parts? Please give me some suggestions, thank you.
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Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 AT 11:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,254 POSTS
Hi,

There is a chance it took a second or two to rebuild pressure. Just to confirm, you are checking the fluid on a flat surface, with the engine at operating temp, running, and the transmission in park, correct? If that is correct, did the quart you added properly fill the transmission? Could it still be low?

As far as the shop, let's see if the fluid is full and if it continues to work. Also, let me know if the transmission has ever been serviced and if the fluid was clean (reddish color).

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
DBROCK123
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
I think it's full, the color reddish. I let it sit overnight. I started it this morning and it went into reverse; however, it is kind of noisy. Do you suggest I get a transmission flush or what? One place wants to charge me 160 just to run diagnostics, what do you suggest? And by the way thank you for chatting with me, I can't get any shop to suggest anything other than money.
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Thursday, February 15th, 2024 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

No problem whatsoever. I just hope I can help. How would you best describe the noise? Did you drive the vehicle? Also, is the noise loud enough to record and upload for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, February 15th, 2024 AT 7:41 PM
Tiny
DBROCK123
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
Haven't driven it, just been starting it and making sure it goes in p or drive. Here is the sound.
Video (Click to make bigger)
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Friday, February 16th, 2024 AT 1:04 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I hear a couple of things. First, there is like a ticking or clicking sound. Is that what you are referring to? Next, I hear a howling sound which reminds me of a Ford power steering pump. Is that correct?

The clicking noise is an interesting one. I just can't place it. I'm going to ask another person here to listen to it to see if he picks up on something.

I want you to try something. Remove the serpentine belt and start it to see if the howling sound is gone. If it isn't (thinking it's the PS pump), it may be a failing front pump in the transmission or even a plugged trans filter.

Don't run it long at all with the belt off. Just long enough to see if the sounds are gone.

Joe
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Friday, February 16th, 2024 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
DBROCK123
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Maybe this is a better audio. I am concerned about the howling, I noticed it when we had some major cold here I. Colorado Springs.
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Saturday, February 17th, 2024 AT 9:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,254 POSTS
Hi,

The most dominant sound (howling sound) could be a couple of things. If you have a helper in the vehicle while you are outside, first have them turn the steering left and right to see if that sound changes. If it doesn't, have the helper shift in and out of gear to see if that changes.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, February 17th, 2024 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
DBROCK123
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
Hey it's me again. I let the truck sit for a few days. Today I started it and drove less than a mile to the store and back. When I got back and parked it, I tried to put it in reverse several times and it would not go. I have an appointment tomorrow at about 8am. Be up front with me, is my transmission broke? I am hoping I can at least make it to the appointment tomorrow. I don't have a way of checking the serpentine belt. The noise is still there. Is there a way you can get back with me before tomorrow. I could really use some help. It took a few days just to squeeze me in for the appt tomorrow. Any suggestions or recommendations?
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Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,254 POSTS
Hi,

Usually, when there is a failure, it doesn't start working again. To me, I feel there is a pressure-related issue. However, it does have a lot of miles on it.

When you go tomorrow, ask them if they feel since it works at times and not others, if it could be a pressure issue. Also, ask if the noise could be the front pump.

Let me know what they tell you. Also, I'll make sure to check back tonight to see if you have other questions.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 AT 7:10 PM
Tiny
DBROCK123
  • MEMBER
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Pump is bad, needs new transmission. Internal clutches are probably worn out. Pressure appears to not be acting okay. While driving it to shop, lost acceleration, managed to still get there. Thanks for all your help. It does have 178,000 miles. The transmission lasted over 9 years. Appreciate your assessment.
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Friday, February 23rd, 2024 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I'm sorry to hear that. I had a feeling that was what was happening. I was hopeful that I was wrong. LOL

Regardless, take care of yourself and please feel free to come back anytime in the future. Also, if you decide to replace the transmission with a known good one, let me know. I'll get the specifics as far as the procedure and we can work through it together.

Joe
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Friday, February 23rd, 2024 AT 8:44 PM

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