99 Ranger no reverse

[dynamicdj101]

I've got a 99 Ford Ranger 4X4 Quad with 98k. Great truck with some minor problems that I've always been able to handle. The other day I started it up, put it in drive and no go. I shifted into 1st and it was ok, then to second and ok again. When I put it back into drive it worked fine. Am able to drive it with no problem. There is no reverse at all. When I do want to drive it I have to put it into drive, 2nd 1st then back to drive.

I changed out the VSS sensor and that did not help. Transmission fluid is red and not burnt. No funny nioses.

I"ve flushed the tranny about every 20k. Any help would be great !!

 

[4r100]

First thing that I would do is NEVER flush my tansmission with any type of fluid exchange device. These so called "transmisson flushers" can actually cause transmission problems, even more so with higher mileage trannys. The only way to properly service your transmission is to remove the transmision pan, and change the filter. if you can, drain the tourque coverter. MOST FORD converters have a drain plug, with a hole hole in the lower bellhousing to access it. So with that said first things first with the truck operating temperature- idling in park make sure the level is adjusted properly to the full line. If OK and still no reverse, let it cool down and then pull off the transmission pan. if there is an abundance of metal in the bottom of the pan, than its obvious there is a mechanical problem. if there is no metal and the magnet looks fairly clean (there will be a layer of very fine metel filings, this is normal) than the problem could be within the valve-body though, i'm doubtfull of that.

 

[Blee1099]

Refer to post 12 in this link. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121047

Doing a flush is perfectly safe. I did it recently plus changed a EPC solenoid after my tranmission had similar issues.

 

[Glacier991]

A lack of reverse in the 5R55E has good news and bad news. It is not an electrical issue...so you won't need to chase harness issues. The bad news is that there is a significant chance of it being reverse clutch related.

In order of diagnosis... I'd check the pressures in reverse. If low it tends to point to the reverse clutch.... but not exclusively...

a plugged filter can do this..... though it is doubful based on your history.

The 5R55E was/is notorious for valve body issues, and especially gasket blow out and EPC failure. Those could do this.

You could have issues with a stuck spool in the reverse modulator valve in the VB.... that would cause this...

and then it could be in the Reverse clutch... burnt frictions, a leaky check ball, or bad seals. Or it could be in the low reverse servo, bad seal ....but I think that is doubtful.

I don't know if this helps or confuses, but that's my diagnosis.

Simply put, I'd check pressures, then look into the VB for problems and hope, and maybe expect a bad reverse clutch (rebuild).

 

[dynamicdj101]

No reverse

Thanks for the pointers. I'll check the pressures, pull the pan and inspect for shavings then check the filter. If that doesn't do it maybe check the EPC.
If none of it works then tear down time.
You guys are great for do it yourselfers lik me !! Thanks again. I'll keep you posted.

 

[dynamicdj101]

Problem fixed

Just wanted everyone to know that I fixed the tranny problem. Did everything you guys recommended. Dropped the pan to change the filter and found a peice of gasket in the filter. So I removed the valve body and there it was. Part of the valve body gasket had blown out.
I replaced the gasket. Torgued the valve body to spec. Cleaned everything. New filter and pan gasket.
Then did a flush by disconnecting the supply line to the aux. cooler. Hooked up a rubber hose to a clear jug so I could see the color of the old tanny fluid. Then started adding new Merc V to the fill tube till clean stuff started flowing into my clear gallon jug. My wife helped by starting and stopping the engine.
Then !!! It's all good now !! Shifts great.
I have to thank you guy's and the whole forum. Did alot of research on the web but got most of my information right here at this site.
The 5R55E Valve Body Rebuild Diary by Glacier911 was great. Thats where I got the torque specs and valve body tightening sequence.
Thanks again !! Having a forum and help like you've provided makes being a DIY'er fun !!!

 

[Glacier991]

Thanks for posting your experiences! They help others. Here is a blatant plug... why not JOIN the site and help us continue to provide these services for free. Joining is pretty cheap compared to what it might have cost you! And we'd love to have you as a member !