transmission problem?

[laneo9417]

When backing out of my inclined driveway in reverse my Explorer seems to stall out on me. I start the truck, put it in reverse, and roll down the driveway until I hit the level street where I hit the gas. Its at this point when I hit the accelerator in reverse that the engine revs and truck does not move in reverse as it should. I then apply the brake and shift it into drive and the truck runs normally. My 98 Explorer is my second vehicle/winter truck and this issue has only happened recently on a cold start (about 3-4 days between starting/driving). After 10 mins of driving I shifted between drive, reverse, etc and the truck operating normally. Any insight on what this issue could be?

 

[drdoom]

Not sure but I would guess a problem with the reverse servo or band. You may need to drop the pan for further investigation.

 

[my98nnj]

Have you checked the fluid level?

 

[laneo9417]

Have you checked the fluid level?

Fluid level is fine with no leaks.

This happened again to me this morning while backing up downhill. Would the inclined position of the car have something to do with this?

 

[laneo9417]

Update regarding this issue:

I recently brought my truck to my local shop and had the transmission checked out. The fluid was clean and they hooked it up to a trans tech machine and everything turned out ok. They didnt drop the pan but put an additive in and the truck has not slipped out of reverse since. Hopefully that problem is solved.

During the same trip to the shop the fuel filter and all 6 sparks plugs were replaced but I am still concerned about my gas mileage (last fill up I got 11mpg with 100% city driving - seemed far too low to me for the V6). The truck starts up and idles ok for a 15 year old vehicle with 103k but when driving the upshifts seem to lag a bit. What should be the normal operating rpm range when cruising at 35-40mph? Right now when cruising on a flat road at 35-40mph ill be upwards of 2000rpms, other times its closer to 1500rpms. I'm assuming the 1500rpm range is ideal, but this truck is fairly new to me still...maybe im just not used to the way these trucks and transmissions run? Also, I've read a lot of good things about Sea Foam on this site...would throwing that in the gas tank help out my MPG a bit? Any info is appreciated.

 

[laneo9417]

Also, forgot to mention this real quick too: with winter nearing I tested out the 4WD. Clicking into 4HI had no issues, but when engaging the 4LO I hear a fairly loud bang/knock near the rear of the car. Should this be of concern?

 

[FNFAL]

The clunk when shifting in/out of 4LO is normal.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Keep in mind, that you should warm your Explorer up prior to driving, I know nobody ever does, but when I remember to do it, the engine runs better, and the transmission shifts better. A 5 minute warm up could make this situation a non issue.