Won't go into reverse how do I fix this

STRIVE1984

MEMBER
2001 FORD RANGER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I have a 2001 ford ranger won't go into reverse how do I fix this problem?

Friday, January 14th, 2011 AT 4:12 AM

6 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,185 POSTS

Hello,

This sounds like you need to replace the reverse shift control solenoid. You will need to drop the pan to do the job here is a guide.

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

They say to replace all of them as a unit. Here are guide below that will show you how to do the job.

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

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Friday, January 14th, 2011 AT 6:34 AM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

Yep I replaced the shift solenoids on my truck worked perfect

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Friday, January 14th, 2011 AT 2:26 PM

TOM WALSH

MEMBER
1 POST
1999 FORD RANGER

My truck will not go in reverse. It seems to be running fine in drive. I have never had a problem with the transmission before this happened two days ago. I checked the transmission fluid level cold and after running at normal operating temperature. Fluid levels were within normal levels according to the operator's manual. The fluid is not dirty and is still red. I had the transmission fluid changed about three years ago at about 90,000 miles. It was pretty dirty before it was changed. Please let me know if you can help me.

I took the truck to an auto parts store that does free diagnostic tests, but since there was no "check engine" light or any other warning lights displayed, they could not do a test. The guy at the store said since there were no warning lights, the problem might be something like a cable connection. Any ideas? I am getting tired of looking for hills so I can use gravity to go backwards.

It is a 3.0L V6. Do not know what the transmission model code is. Where would I find it? What letters or numbers would the code start with? All the forward gears work normally.

Thanks.

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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 10:50 AM (Merged)

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

The engine capacity indicates the trans model is 4R44E.

As no diagnostic codes are present, the problem is most likely to be mechanical.

No reverse gears.
Check the following:
1. Fluid level.
2. Shift linkage.
3. Low line control pressure.
4. Filter assembly (plugged).
5. Valve body (sticking valves).
6. Incorrectly tightened valve body bolts (cross-leaks).
7. Low-reverse servo (piston seal leaking).
8. Direct and low-reverse clutch/band assemblies.

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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 10:50 AM (Merged)

LEBLANCR

MEMBER
1 POST
1999 FORD RANGER
2.5L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

He stopped for gas today and noticed fluid under the truck. He checked the fluids and found the transmission was not on the dipstick. He added 2 quarts which brought it to full and headed home. When he got home (a little over 2 miles) it had started slipping a little but he got it home.

He found the return line from the radiator was off (not split but off the tube. He replaced it and tightened the radiator clamp tight. It took almost 5 quarts of fluid to fill. No leaks. It will go forward, but he has no reverse. It's driven into his apartment driveway, so he can't say if it's OK forward. He's too old to push it out of the driveway.

I'm wondering if there is any possibility that it has an air bubble that needs to be bled? Or it it's probably burned something? Looking for DIY testing before he takes it somewhere. There are no real transmission specialists nearby.

Thanks in advance.