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

2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC
124,000 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
AH8007
  • MEMBER
  • 68 POSTS
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?
Apr 13, 2020 at 1:30 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 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
Apr 13, 2020 at 4:12 AM
Avatar
AH8007
  • MEMBER
  • 68 POSTS
Okay. I'm going to drop the pan today and see. Highly doubt the clutches failed. I barely drove it before it did that.
Apr 13, 2020 at 4:46 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 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
Apr 13, 2020 at 4:57 AM
Avatar
AH8007
  • MEMBER
  • 68 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?
Apr 13, 2020 at 5:01 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 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
Apr 13, 2020 at 5:14 AM
Avatar
AH8007
  • MEMBER
  • 68 POSTS
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.
Apr 13, 2020 at 12:57 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
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
Apr 13, 2020 at 1:01 PM
Avatar
AH8007
  • MEMBER
  • 68 POSTS
Okay. Do you have any installation tutorial on this vehicle?
Apr 17, 2020 at 3:37 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 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
Apr 17, 2020 at 4:00 AM
Avatar
AH8007
  • MEMBER
  • 68 POSTS
Thanks for the help bought a $200.00 junkyard transmission and I installed it in the driveway. Runs great now.
Apr 27, 2020 at 5:48 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good deal. Glad to hear it.

You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Apr 27, 2020 at 6:16 PM