Transmission will not engage in reverse?

2001 DODGE RAM
202,345 MILES • 5.2L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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S.BLANTON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Will not engage in reverse. It goes in every other gear and shifts through all gears just fine. But, when I put it in reverse. Nothing! Will not move at all. I bought this truck just like it is now. Thanks. I appreciate any information that you can give me that may lead to the resolution of my problem with this truck.
Nov 18, 2025 at 4:28 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,512 POSTS
First, check the fluid level and shift linkage alignment, if okay:

Known Failures on the 46RE & 47RE (used in 2001 Ram) Reverse Band Broken (MOST COMMON) Inside the trans is a physical band that wraps around the reverse drum. When they break you lose reverse ONLY, but forward works fine.

So the transmission will need to come out and be rebuilt. Sorry about that :/
Nov 19, 2025 at 12:57 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,397 POSTS
Hi guys. I have an older version (727), of this transmission right now with the broken band. An additional clue to look for is it will not stay in first gear if you shift to manual "low". It will shift to second gear, but no higher. I think this still applies to the newer four-speed automatics.
Nov 19, 2025 at 8:31 AM
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