Shifting into Reverse Takes Much Longer, and with a Jolt...

[wernst]

All,

I have a 98 Limited Explorer. 4.0L SOHC, 5-speed automatic transmission. 77,000 miles. It was bought used at 62,000 miles two years ago, so service history of AT fluid is unknown.

Just this past week, I have noticed that when shifting into reverse, the transmission takes maybe, hmm, 3 seconds to actually get into gear where it used to be pretty much instantaneous. When it does so, I can feel it sort of get into "1/4 reverse" instantly, and then 3 seconds later it actually gets into "full reverse," and it does so with something of a jolt.

It shifts into Drive normally.

I have checked the AT fluid, and the level seems fine, and it is still red and smells like toasty almonds, just like Dad said it should.

So, any thoughts as to what is going on?

(On a related note, I am assuming the procedure to check the AT fluid is: run Explorer to normal operating temperature. Park on level surface. Run gearshift through each position, letting it sit in each gear for a few seconds. Return to Park position. Stop engine. Wait a minute. Check AT dipstick. Right??)

-Warr

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Warr, your ATF check procedure is correct except that the engine should not be turned off. ATF is checked with the engine running.

There's a redesigned O-ring that goes into the low/reverse servo, that's supposed to solve the "lazy" reverse shift. The pan has to be removed to access the servo.

 

[wernst]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Let me ask this: do I really need this redesigned O-Ring if I don't care about the Lazy reverse engagement? Or is this a sign of something major about to fail?

Thanks,
Warr

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Mine has been slow to reverse shift for about a year. I have the O-ring in hand, but am too "lazy" to drop the pan to install it, unless it gets worse. I don't think this can harm the trans, but mine dosen't jolt into gear, it's merely slow to engage.

This is a very common problem, so maybe someone with experience with this can give us some suggestions.....

 

[wernst]

Out of curiosity, would this be an expensive repair?

-Warr

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Warr, I bought a shift kit (about $35) that included the O-ring. I can't imagine the part costing over $3-$4 by itself. It's simply a neoprene O-ring about 2" in diameter with a double lip seal.

Installation should take about an hour.

 

[Mbrooks420]

A reputable tranny shop would replace the seal, and do a filter change, and a partial fluid change for under 100.