Transmission will not engage reverse?

THEMAILMAN

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET S-10
4.3L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

I'm looking at buying this truck. Reverse doesn't engage. It's not that it's slipping. It's simply not going into reverse at all. All forward heard work and shift fine. I've owned several S10s and blazers, so I do know how they should feel. The transmission fluid is full and not burnt but not fresh either. Just good.

Live data shows that the solenoid isn't switching on.

My thoughts are (1) bad solenoid (2) wiring issue or (3) maybe an issue with the range sensor?

What I need to know is where the solenoid is, what wires to inspect, and how to go about checking the range sensor. Please and TIA.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

I'm not sure which solenoid you are referring to. By chance, do you still have the diagnostic trouble code that is related?

Here is what I attached below. First, pics 1 and 2 are diagnostics for a slip in reverse or no reverse condition. Explains different possibilities.

Pics 3 and 4 are exploded views of the valve body and its components including valves and solenoids. Pics 5 and 6 are the wiring schematic of the transmission electronics. Note that the two pics came from one page. I had to cut it in half to make it readable.

Let me know if this helps. Also, let me know if you have the specific codes that you had. If you do, I should be able to narrow things down for you.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, October 17th, 2023 AT 8:34 PM

THEMAILMAN

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88 POSTS

To be clear, it's not slipping. It's simply not going into reverse at all. I'll try to get any codes and other info, but dealing with the guy I'm dealing with is like pulling teeth. So, it might be a while.

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Tuesday, October 17th, 2023 AT 9:26 PM

THEMAILMAN

MEMBER
88 POSTS

As it turns out, I'm off from work tomorrow so I'm going to borrow Dad's rather pricey scanner (talks to every module in an older car like that one) and I'll go see what I can see for myself. I'll snag pics and so forth. I just hope that the man is home.

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Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 AT 1:42 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

That sounds like a good plan. Let me know what you find. Also, the directions I attached above are for both slipping and no reverse.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 AT 7:20 PM