Can´t get in reverse

[stefan_lundin_87]

I have a Explorer -98 4L Automatic.
Right now i´m in Denmark with the job and my fiance called and sad that she had put in reverse and start to reverse and heard some small crack.
And after she cant get in reverse, its like Neutral.
Every other gear is working (high and low)
Any idea for what could have happend?

Sorry for my bad english

 

[swetrid]

4WD? It sounds like it could be a stripped gear in the transfer case. It is somewhat common.

 

[ravinsaend]

You ever change your transmission filter? if those get clogged, reverse is generally the first gear you lose. If the engine was cold, try warming it up fully and then trying reverse. if it works, therein lies your problem.

Another thing could be your shift linkage got somehow tweaked. You can test this by carefully moving the shifter around a bit in the area of reverse. May take a bit, so don't just slide it on through the reverse area and consider it done. Jack around with it for a few minutes. Do the test I mentioned above first, though. If the engine warms up in the process and you have not already eliminated that possibility you could not consider the results conclusive.

If something in the transfer case was bad the other gears would not work either. This is a transmission issue. And if it is suddden it is extremely unlikely that it is a stripped gear. If it is not the filter or linkage it could also be the reverse band either needs adjusted or replaced. At this point you may want to consider just changing the tranny, as replacement of the band will likely cost more than a used tranny can be gotten from a salvage yard for

 

[PopRichie77]

The reverse band probably broke also a common problem, there is no adjustment for the low reverse band, except different length servo piston shafts. Does the trans work in manual LOW if not then the band is most likely broke or the tip of the shaft on the servo piston broke off.