No Reverse??

Will it move if you shift the transmission in 1 or 2? If you do not have reverse, you have an internal failure in the unit.

It will have to be removed and inspected for the failure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Do you have any codes set? It sounds like you may have a gear range sensor that is out but to be sure lets run down these guides to help us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down these guides and report back.

When was the last time you changed the fluid and filter?

The car will go forward in 2nd gear, but will not go into reverse nor will it go forward in first gear

It sounds like a broken band. I hate to say it, but I beileve it needs removed and taken apart to identify where the problem is coming from.

when i put the truck in forward or reverse and press the gas the rpms shoot up and the truck dosent move..also when shifting from second to third you have to let off the gas and then it will shift.

Hi there,

This is an internal problem with the transmission, i would be thinking that it is a fluid pressure related problem, a scan may shed some light onto the issue, i would get this done by a trans specialist as they will be aware of particular problems that may be common with this transmission, start here.

mark (mhpautos)

we have had it put on a computer and 5 different codes popped up. i have checked the fluid in it and it was a little low so i topped it off but it did not fix the problem!

What were the codes you got?

mark (mhpautos)

1997 Ford Explorer Two Wheel Drive 6900.0 miles

I replaced the motor and now it will not move when i put it into reverse or drive .

Is it the same transmission? Are you sure the fluid is full? Are you sure the cooling lines correctly attached? Did the torque converter slip easily into the front pump and is it bolted to the flywheel? Is the linkage attached correctly?

Transmission problem
1997 Ford Explorer Four Wheel Drive Automatic 182000 miles

I have a '97 ford explorer xlt with a little over 180,000 miles on it. About 5 or 6 months ago it started grinding slightly but has gotten worse over time. It grinds when I put the car in reverse, when I go above 50 miles per hour, and also especially on hills. I've been told the transmission needs replaced but before I can do that I have to figure out the exact one I need. The only thing I don't know is if it needs a transmission with or without an overdrive drum sensor.

Two trannys used in these are e4od and 4r70w here are the pan gaskets for both, this will tell you which tranny you have.

Just a question out of the blue. Are you sure it's not your transfer case?

I have a 97 explorer that drives perfectly fine in all forward gears but refuses to go in reverse. Initially I thought in was an internal transmission problem but now think it may be linkage. I recently noticed that it also won't move forward or backward while in neutral with the engine running or not. Yet it stills drives forward. Also the shifter needle nevers quite points to the gear I put it in. It's more like in between. Anyone have experience with this or suggestions.

Hi there,

You best get your mechanic to inspect the linkage adjustment. But i feel it may be a transmission problem, as normally when the adjustment is out, and you select through the gears you will normally still be able to pick up all the gears, (feel it engage as you shift through) have the adjustments check first as a precaution, as you don't want them removing the box for no reason .

Mark (mhpautos)

Transmission will go in reverse but when in drive it will not move. Can changing the fluid and filter solve this issue?

Good evening.

I doubt it. When the filter is clogged, it usually affects all gears.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

It sounds like the forward clutch pack has failed internally.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Roy

So only solution is new transmission or rebuild?

Correct, or a used one for replacement.

Roy

Okay, thanks for the insight.

You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy

Transmission frequently slips when put into reverse. Other times transmission works properly. Forward gear seems fine. Have already changed fluid and filter.

You may just be losing reverse gear then.If the check engine light isnt lit (trans codes) then it is most likely a mechanical issue in the trans instead of a computer controlled solenoid.150k isnt a bad run for one of those trannies either, I have seen them fail at much lower mileage.You can always take it to a reputable trans shop and just have them do a hands on diagnosis it to see where you stand, but it may be time to rebuild it before it has a parts failure and does more damage

Transmission problem
1996 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

My reverse just stoped working, but the car goes forward when replaced in reverse instead of backwards. The car starts up fine and does drive, park etc, just only will not reverse. I am havng some stalling in acceleration when I am on the gas while driving. What could be causing this problem?

If the trans will not go into reverse and stays in drive even when in reveres, either there is a problem in the valve body, of the front clutch pack that is responsible for both low and reverse.

My husband put the car in reverse but it rumbled and hesitated until he pushed the gas but it was slow moving. The OD light flashed off and on and we were unable to push the button on the column to turn it off or on once we were in drive. It sounded fine in drive. When we got home we put it in reverse again and it did the same thing. Once we turned it off and back on, the OD light was off and it did fine in reverse. Are we facing transmission issues?

I don't think the problem is the transmission but rather a sensor. If the light was flashing, chances are there is a code stored in the computer. I would start by having the computer scanned for codes. NOTE: Many parts stores will do it for free.

Let me know what you find.

That's somewhat of a relief to hear. I will take it this week and let you know what they find.

dspracht

I was asked to look at a friends explorer, 96, v6, automatic . She was going 45mph and vehicles stopped going forward but had nothing like brakes locking or engine smoke .
Now when I tried checking it . It starts fine goes in reverse with usual clank but from that point down to first gear it's like butter . It was down a quart of fluid so replaced it to the full mark . Came back a month later and it kind of went forward but could not feel it go in to gear it just went like a energy saving car .
Heard something about the E-brake cable could cause something ti do with forward gears ( ? ) .
Thank you in advance ,
Quentin

I agree. If there are no check engine lights and the OD light isn't flashing, chances are it is internal. ASE, do you find it odd that reverse works being that low and reverse work from the same clutch pack? Also, will the vehicle move in 2nd or 1st?

Yes Joe, I do agree. I believe this still uses a one way sprag clutch as well.

Roy

So , basically cheap way is out ... Is it really that difficult to replace the part once the trans. is out ?
Have garage to keep dust or debrise from interferring .
And have time to do it ...

if you have it out, then you need to do it right. if anything has failed, it most likely has contaminated the rest of the trans.

Roy

After going thru alot of water during a noreaster a month or so ago reverse has been week. On flat ground it will move but if I rev the engine it does not go any faster at first. I went to have the trans fluid changed and they stated that it was burnt and the trans was shot. I had them do a flush anyway. Al forward gears work OK. This happened a few years ago and it took about 4 months for reverse to fully come back. Any ideas??? And if all forward gears are working OK is the trans really shot?

Does the transmission slip at all in forward gears? Also, has the check engine light ever come on? The reason I ask is because 1st gear and reverse use the same clutch pack. If it doesn't slip in drive, chances are there is a sensor or the TCM may be bad, which should set the check engine light.

Let me know.
Joe

all forward speeds works fine and no check engine lights come on. On flat ground I have a little reverse motion to get out of parking spaces but if I accel. I do not go much faster. Had a transmission flush done but did not seem to help. Any suggestions besides rebuild trans?

If all forward gears work, I feel the problem may have to do with the Trans Control Module (TCM). I would recommend having that checked by at transmission tech. I really don't think the trans is bad. However, I could be wrong. Have that checked and see what they say. They will have scanners just for the trans.

I let a friend borrow my 1996 Ford Explorer. The truck started dragging going up hill. The rpm's would go up but the truck would not move. In reverse it moves fine. Now the truck will not move at all in gear going forward but still will go backwards. Is this a problem with the transmission or with the clutch. Tend to beleive the clutch (pressure plate) but not sure. I have found out the idle air control valave is bad.

Sounds like your clutch is "toast". If your going to replace it yourself, you'll need a new clutch disc and pressure plate. AND, on a Ford, be sure to have the flywheel turned or it will come back to haunt you. Rebuilt units are available, but I recommend using new. Ford clutches do not rebuild well. Hope this helps. NOTE: If you have a "driveline" service and repair facility in your area. Many times you can buy new parts for close to what a regular parts store will charge you for rebuilt.