Transmission does not work in reverse?

Tiny
TF43
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
Have the vehicle listed above, VIN 1FMEU3BE3AUF03175
Transmission Tag: 9L2P 7000 CA
5R55S
Problem: No Reverse
All Forward gears engage.
Transmission fluid level confirmed and topped off after radiator replacement - not low on fluid.

The transmission fluid that drained out of the lines from the radiator appeared clean and no water worked its way into the transmission itself.
Transmission fluid looks nice and red yet, and no grit felt in it.

Had a scanner run on it, no codes found related to the transmission. The mechanic that scanned the system questions some voltages. When in all forward gears the voltage for torque lockout would drop to zero, which appears normal, but reverse would remain at around 5 volts. If I'm explaining that correctly. No PO7 related codes were present.

When shifting through the gears, the scanner was picking up the correct gear selection, so figure the range sensor would be okay at that point.

Out of ideas at the moment.
Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 3:24 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,490 POSTS
It sounds like the transmission is burnt up; I would replace it with a rebuilt unit. here is a video that can help with instructions below to help you with your car:

https://youtu.be/3vJAojsrfuU

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, July 17th, 2022 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
TF43
  • MEMBER
  • 99 POSTS
What puzzles me is the fluid doesn't smell or appear burnt. It has all working forward gears. I'm going to pull the pan and check for grit in the pan itself, try another filter and go from there before I have to pull it out.
If the tang on the band snapped off, where do they normally fall into? You'd hear it rattling around wouldn't you?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, July 17th, 2022 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,490 POSTS
It should end up in the pan but not always, I don't think you would hear the part rattling.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, July 18th, 2022 AT 9:47 AM
Tiny
TF43
  • MEMBER
  • 99 POSTS
Is it possible for a faulty range sensor to cause no reverse?
All forward gears work correctly, 1st, 2nd 3rd, all forward gears will engage.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 12th, 2022 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,490 POSTS
Yes, this is possible, here is the location and how to replace it so you can check it out. Let me know what happens.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, August 13th, 2022 AT 11:15 AM
Tiny
TF43
  • MEMBER
  • 99 POSTS
Installed a new Range Selector with no change. I do not have that alignment gauge, but there is a marking for neutral. The line that is embedded on the part. Installed per what was found on YT about installing with the alignment markings.
Still no reverse. So, I suppose it is either burnt up in the reverse clutches.
What are the odds of a failed solenoid pack, or sticky solenoid? When you shift into reverse it feels like it wants to go, but then it lets go. A friend put his scanner on it and mentions something about a slip ratio
"The slip ratio that I was getting a reading on in reverse. All forward gears would read zero when brake was applied, But Sunday after shifting it P, R, N and back a couple of times Rev went to zero. Only for a very short time, then would read around 1.5 / 1.8 volts?"
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 15th, 2022 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
TF43
  • MEMBER
  • 99 POSTS
Just to add, you answered some questions from Dann Stark about the same transmission. He's the mechanic that has been helping out with this thing. Conclusion appears to be reverse clutches burnt out. Just my luck, sigh. Thanks for all the input. Guess it is find another transmission locally, if available, or search car-parts. Com and ship one in.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 15th, 2022 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,490 POSTS
Yep, it's all you can do, at least we tried to save it and the money; sorry it didn't work out. Here is how to do the removal and replacement:

This video can help as well

https://youtu.be/3vJAojsrfuU

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
TF43
  • MEMBER
  • 99 POSTS
Update on this item - reverse band - broken tang. Replaced reverse band.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, November 7th, 2022 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,490 POSTS
Thanks for getting back to us on the issue, good find and repair. Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 AT 10:05 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links