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Reverse does not work

Tiny
SILASLOPEZ18
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 NISSAN HARDBODY
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
My truck reverse will not work at all. All other gears including overdrive work. Any ideas what could be wrong?
Sunday, May 20th, 2018 AT 7:08 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Yes, it sounds like your transmission range sensor has gone out. Here is a guide and the sensor location so you can confirm the issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

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

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
SILASLOPEZ18
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I am not sure what that is but I will try. It went from one night to next morning not working did not even feel it go out or anything. The "P" "D" "1" and "2" all work except "R" (reverse).
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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 8:47 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Yes, it is going to be the transmission range sensor or a reverse shift solenoid. Lets check the easier part first. ;)
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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018 AT 10:23 AM
Tiny
SILASLOPEZ18
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I just noticed that when I press the button that is next to the shift it only goes half way on reverse and on all others it locks in to shift.
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Thursday, May 24th, 2018 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
SILASLOPEZ18
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The reverse lights work. Could it be a latch in the shift stick (automatic P R D 12)?
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Thursday, May 24th, 2018 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Yes, that is where I was headed next. Here is a diagrams to show you what the shift solenoid are and the turbine speed sensor.

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, May 25th, 2018 AT 9:33 AM
Tiny
SARAH SHUBROOK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi Silas and Ken, im having the exact same issue with my 1995 Hardbody. Was this issue resolved or did he have to replace the transmission? I would love the feedback.
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Sunday, September 12th, 2021 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

The person never provided feedback on the repair. Sarah, it could be several things. However, I need a bit more info. Is this a 4wd vehicle? What size engine does it have?

Also, take a look through this link. It explains how to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes. This has an OBD1 system and it doesn't require a scanner for scanning.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/nissan-obd1-diagnostic-trouble-codes-and-retrieval-procedure-1984-to-1994

Try that and let me know what you find. Also, let me know the specifics of the problem. When did it start, was anything noticed before it started, is the transmission fluid clean and fuel, and anything you can think of that may help.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, September 14th, 2021 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
SARAH SHUBROOK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi Joe, is there another way I can contact you about this?

I've got a 1995 Nissan D21, 3L V6 4x4.

There was nothing to indicate that R was on it's way out. I was pulling out of a slightly inclined parking stall when I realized it was rolling out of the stall backwards instead of reversing as per yewsh. So I got it home where me and my uncle investigated further. Fluid was slightly dirty but full. I had the ATF flushed about 8000 km before, and it didn't smell burnt when we checked it. I was running premium 0% ethanol gas for 2 weeks before this issue started because that's all the gas station had, but I usually run regular or 10% ethanol.

Since then I've taken it to the only transmission shop in a 200km radius from where I just recently moved to. The guy said that its an internal clutch belt that's either slipped or worn so bad it won't catch anymore. And he really does not want to work on it, as parts are near impossible to find in this area and we'd quickly run up an "outrageous" bill.

When I put it in R, the front axle will register a little bit (the wheels will turn about a 1/2" backwards) but the rear end does nothing. When I press the accelerator, it only revs my engine. No spinning of the wheels of any sort.

Furthermore, every other gear (PND21) works in 2H, 4H and 4L.

The research I've done in the last couple weeks has left me with the conclusion that I would, in fact, be better off to buy a rebuilt 4WD Auto Trans off ebay or something of the like. Used vehicles in the Maritimes are junk, so I'd have to be in the ball park of $10 000 CAD before I found something worth buying. I don't know enough people around here to get a good deal yet.

Apparently, any shop would be willing to re & re a transmission for me though. I've got my parents hunting on the other side of the country for rebuilt trans that they would ship over to me if they found one in good shape.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks, Sarah
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Sunday, September 26th, 2021 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi, Sarah.

I wish I could call, but we are required to keep everything online. I hope you understand. Where are you located? The transmission model is a RE4R01A. That may help you locate one. However, whatever you find, confirm with the seller it will fit your vehicle.

My biggest concern with a used unit is it fails. Then you are stuck paying labor two times.

As far as the issue, there could be several things causing this. It could be related to a line pressure issue. If a band was slipping, you would have noticed it starting to get worse over time. Since it just happened all at once, I question if that is the issue.

Are there any other shops near you that would check transmission line pressure? Also, have you ever had the fluid changed? A partially plugged trans cooler can be causing issues as well. Also, the line pressure can be good in drive but not reverse. It's just a thought/theory at this time.

Next, if you decide to replace the transmission, you can get remanufactured transmissions from a parts store. I just checked AutoZone and they have three or four to pick from. They aren't cheap, but if you get one that is bad, they normally will pay the additional labor cost.

As far as parts, I found complete rebuild kits online. If you look at the pic below, it shows a kit and I highlighted the band in question. Here is the link:

https://www.oregonperformancetransmission.com/product/OPT-RE4R01A-RB.html

Again, confirm this will work for your vehicle, but I suspect it will.

I would want the line pressure tested. This could be the issue and could be internal or not.
For example, a direct clutch leak will show a pressure drop when the transmission shifts to third and low pressure in reverse because in most cases, the direct clutch is on in third and reverse. Also, reverse requires the peak pressure from the system.

Also, there is a line pressure control solenoid in the transmission which can be bad.

I don't like replacing parts until I know what is wrong. Regardless, please let me know what I can do to help you. Also, let me know if you have other questions.

Take care of yourself,

Joe
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Sunday, September 26th, 2021 AT 8:22 PM

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