no reverse

[derrelw]

So I'm backing up a small hill at my house this morning and get a quick snap sound and no more reverse!
It seems to drive ok forward but I get nothing when I shift into reverse.
Any ideas?
1998 Explorer XLT 4.0
auto 4x4 w 89,000 miles

 

[drdoom]

Probably the low reverse band is broken. See if you have engine braking in low.

 

[derrelw]

Is it safe to drive?
Do you think it will do more damage if I do drive it?

 

[Flash]

If you're lucky it was only the tip of the reverse band actuator broken off, an easy fix.
It's probably the band though.

 

[derrelw]

A transmission mechanic suggests it may be the " banjo bolt " He says it's a common issue with these trucks.

 

[drdoom]

Interesting.

 

[derrelw]

I took it around the block after work and it drives like normal going forward and if I shift down to 1, 2 or d it goes forward just no reverse.

 

[Flash]

One way to find out. You have to go inside.

 

[drdoom]

But do you have engine braking in low?

 

[Winniethepooh]

if you have the 5r55e you can test: shift manually into "1" and check if it drives. If not, most likely the band is broken (first gear and reverse use the same), if yes, it will be the valve or the pin.

 

[joe doe]

when i lost reverse i bought a used trans and just had it replaced . a full rebuild is pretty costly .
to get to the reverse band i was told you gotta break down the whole trans anyway .
if you can do without reverse it wont hurt to keep driving it . i did this for a bit .

5r55e transmissions are pretty common you wouldnt have to look far to find one . most junk yards charge 500.00 with a 30 day .
i got mine from a tow service before it went to junk yard for 350.00 .

 

[derrelw]

It still goes forward in "1" just no reverse.

 

[Winniethepooh]

then it seems you are lucky, will be an easy fix... seems that the pin of the actuator is broken -don't know if the mechanic meant that with "banjo bolt", it's located beside the valve body. Maybe someone can post a picture or I will search if I have some on my PC....

if you're working on that, check the gasket of valve body and tighten the nuts of vb with the right torque (13 Nm if I remember right)

 

[Brian T Nickless]

Same story

EXACTLY what happened to me. Priced a reverse band repair and was not much more to rebuild the entire trans. Read about all of the problems on here with some people rebuilding numerous times and decided to install an M5OD manual. Have never looked back. I MUCH prefer shifting for myself and now I just have to check the fluid level now and then and replace the clutch every 10 years or so. Best of luck