Is it the Transmission?

[cziprick]

Hi. Folks, New member with a Question. Stepson has a 1997 Explorer with a interesting Auto Transmission problem. Can drive in forward, but will not always engage in reverse. When put into reverse it does not engage unless he get someone to get out and rock or push the vehicle in reverse and then it "clicks in". Someone mentioned that it might be a linkage issue.
Any ideas?? Would like to avoid the tran being replaced, however if it needs to be, will do.

 

[drothgeb]

Could be the linkage if it is broken or needs lubrication or could be a shift motor.

 

[manaen]

Could be the linkage if it is broken or needs lubrication or could be a shift motor.

Shift Motor? :scratch: there are no shift motors in the transmissions


The linkage could be a good possibility, you may also have a stuck solenoid. Does it shift into manual 1st gear ok?

When was the last fluid/filter change?

Which engine do you have?

are you sure it is shifting properly through all forward gears?

 

[drothgeb]

manaen: Shift Motor? there are no shift motors in the transmissions

Obviously it was very late when I posted...I meant solenoid...

 

[cziprick]

Thanks for the info guys. 97 Explorer has V6 and apparently runs fine in all forward gears. He's decided he doesn't want it and has asked if I want it cheap. May just take to tranny shop and have them deal with it (scary thought ain't it) Will probably talk to local mechanic first who apparently knows Explorers and Rangers very well. Is in very good shape body wise, interior is fairly clean, rubber is fair. For $800, worth that in parts alone (if I was in the used parts business)