slow shift to reverse 99 Explorer

[David Barnes]

I noticed today that when I shift to reverse, it takes a second or 2 longer than it should. Almost like it shifts, then again just a bit. The second 'shift' is when its actually in reverse... no problem with forward, etc...
Any thoughts? Its got 85000 miles on it, and I had the tranny and transfer case, and front and rear diff flushed about 3k miles ago...

Any ideas?

thanks

 

[spta97]

I had a similar problem but my truck was a 2000 5.0 V8. I turned out that my tranny fluid was low due to a bad seal at the transmission cooler connection. When I posted my question many others stated that they had the same problem but didn't quite know what was causing it.

Before it was fixed every time I would pull out of my garage or a parking spot I could count "One 1000, two 1000" before it would kick into reverse. Sounds like you are having the same issue.

 

[nevrsumr22]

When I first start mine and back out of my spot and put it in drive it takes 2 or 3 seconds to kick in. I figure it's just warming up.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Check your fluid level. You may also have a loose/clogged valve body and/or bad valve body gasket. Very common on the '99's.

 

[Eneurb]

It certainly is one of the concerns that can be caused by a torn valve body gasket, or loose valve body. Although the more common problem is the 2-3 shift flare up, delayed or no reverse engagement is also a symptom.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I fixed my delayed reverse shift, by doing several things: I first installed an updated separator plate/gasket set (Thanks again to Eneurb for the part numbers). At the same time, I installed a new EPC solenoid, and a Superior shift kit. The Superior kit included a double-lip seal for the low/reverse servo. I suspect that's what cured the delayed reverse.

My main problem was the 2-3 shift flare, which these parts also fixed.

 

[DirtyDog]

The Superior kit included a double-lip seal for the low/reverse servo. I suspect that's what cured the delayed reverse.

That's how I fixed mine too. If that's the only problem you have, you can buy the kit and just put that in. It's easy enough to do

 

[lwrdrhvn]

That's how I fixed mine too. If that's the only problem you have, you can buy the kit and just put that in. It's easy enough to do

where can you find this kit... my reverse is not engaging anymore on my 99 exp sohc... i figure i should try everything else before a rebuild...

 

[DirtyDog]

I got mine from e-bay. From this user also

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7970040296&category=33727