Transmission wont shift

[axelhdz2k3]

Hoping someone can assist me with this. I have a 1997 Explorer with the 4.0 V6 and I've had it parked for over a year now. I occasionally start it and drive it around my neighborhood to keep the battery charged.

I have noticed that it took a few seconds to engage reverse and once it did it drove just fine until recently. Last week I started the Explorer and when I placed it in reverse it would not engage and I tried all the other gears but nothing happened. I checked the trans fluid and it seems ok and tried other gears but it still not shift. It rolls as if it were in neutral when I put it in any gear with the exception of 1st gear.

I am hoping this is not a transmission repair and maybe it's just something else.

Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[Havalilsi]

I have similar issues with my 98 also. Sometimes when I put it into reverse the engine revs, and the vehicle hesitates before going into drive. And once in awhile if the engine is still cold, the engine will rev a bit before slamming into gear and moving off.

Does anyone have any idea what the problem might be?