2003 Hard Shift into Reverse after warm

[Melon]

Just picked up an 03 EB 4.6 thats fairly clean for its age. One quirk I've noticed is the firm shift into reverse, especially after its warmed up. Is this a solenoid issue? Or a valve body issue? I haven't noticed anything problems going forward through the gears.

Thank you!

 

[john cris]

Just picked up an 03 EB 4.6 thats fairly clean for its age. One quirk I've noticed is the firm shift into reverse, especially after its warmed up. Is this a solenoid issue? Or a valve body issue? I haven't noticed anything problems going forward through the gears.

Thank you!

Not sure, but I’d drop the pan and inspect. How does the oil look and smell?

 

[Melon]

I haven't yet. I hate how the 5R55W (or does the V8 have the E?) doesn't have a dipstick, even to check the fluid level and color. I may get the adapter tool, drop the pan, and change the filter. I have no clue how many miles are on that trans. It was put in used 10k miles ago, but no record how many miles or if any work was done prior to the install.

 

[john cris]

I hate that too.
kinda ridiculous and not very precise the way you have to set the level

 

[Hank102938]

You should have a 5R55W (See Here).

I also have a 03 4.6L and even after after a trans and diff fluid/filter change I still have a harsh engagement to reverse. It’s been going on without getting worse since I got the truck 70k+ miles ago. At 175k miles now.

In my case it feels/sounds more like slack being taken up in the drivetrain. I’ll occasionally get a similar harsh engagement in a forward gear after coasting down to 20-30 mph and lightly getting back on the accelerator.

Wondering if your case is similar, gonna watch this thread.

 

[Msober1]

Look up issue on YouTube. Solenoid pack and or stuck valve body. Did my solenoid pack and cleaned the valve body and she shifts now without bang.