2000 Ranger 3.0 - Reverse is Gone!!!

[saintquinn]

Hi, Everyone
Could you guys give me some advice? I'm not sure how to proceed...
(I'm a tradesman but not an Auto Mechanic)
I let my sister drive my Ranger ( 2000 Ranger 3.0 4x2 V6, Xcab, Flex Fuel) 3 miles on Wed night and park it. When I when to start it I had no reverse (and still don't).
Other than having NO reverse the truck is shifting and running good.
First, Ive been trying to properly ID which transmission this is. According to Motorcraft .com (through VIN# 1FTYR14V9YTA18656) this is a 5R55E tranny but Ive seen some conflicting info on this thread... I would appreciate some feedback on that, (Identification).
Second, I've researched this and a "Blownout valvebody gasket at the reverse servo" may be causing this....Does the tranny have to be removed to check the reverse servo?

I would appreciate all advice from all pros on this forum...
If it turns out I do need a tranny replacement should I have a shop rebuild this one or should I get one rebuilt from Ford? I was told this is afairly easy Transmission to replace.

I reside in Brooklyn, NY so Brooklyn Bay I would appreciate it if you could advise me on a competant, HONEST Local mechanic/ Transmission Shop I could bring this to to have this properly diagnosed, and repaired.

Duane, DQuinn888(at)Gmail.com 7187553034
Thanks All!!!

 

[BrooklynBay]

The 3.0L usually comes with a 5R44E, but if Ford says that it has a 5R55E, then I wouldn't dispute it. Your problem could be related to several things. All of them could be checked with the transmission in the vehicle. The first thing to do is to check the seals on the low/reverse servo. It's behind a cover with 4 bolts, and the gasket you've already mentioned. The servo has 2 O rings (one big & one small). I would recommend the TransTec Viton D ring kit from WWW.TransmissionPartsUSA.Com. The next thing to do is to check the end of the servo for chips. After this, insert a long phillips screwdriver into the servo's bore to check the band for a spring action.

Now for the valve body. There is an internal part called the reverse modulation valve which is a spool in the valve body. Sometimes this part could stick if it's clogged, dirty or damaged. It's possible that the valve body gaskets could be blown out or the valve body bolts could be loose, and out of spec. I would recommend reading the sticky thread in the transmission section called the 5R55E valve body rebuild diary for more information. The only special tool you would need is a 1/4" drive In/Lb torque wrench which you could get from WWW.HarborFreight.Com for $20. Another recommendation is to connect a 0 - 300 PSI test gauge to test the pressure of the transmission in reverse.

As far as recommendations for a good transmission shop, I don't know of any I could recommend, but I would stay far away from the one on 18 Th. Ave. near Safelight auto glass. This guy is on the same block or next door to the ATV store. His buddy is around the corner from him, and is a general auto repair shop. I would stay far away from this guy too. Check WWW.ATRA.Com for a certified shop. You could check a specific shop's complaints on this site too.