44r4e No Reverse , spotty Shifting / delayed 1998 Ranger 3.0 4x4

[azrangerman85]

my first symptom came a year ago when my truck delayed shifting into reverse from a stand still.

I have changed the fluid at 55k. There are 0 signs of mechanical debris or wear down... the fluid was ruby red . I checked my fluid and it is still ruby red. When I startup in 35 degree weather this winter , I let it warm up but when I go to reverse it would delay shift . My forward gears all work but they are delaying , it takes seconds to feel it shift . I drove to work the other day, and had to reverse , as I reversed I felt it clunk lightly as these trannies often do... and then my reverse gear no longer works. I hear no grinding or weird sounds , just no shift. when I shift into D , 1st and 2nd slip until my engines warmer and I can run just fine at slow to highway speeds reaching 75-80mph uphill too. I want advice, I have a TCC clutch solenoid already purchased and been waiting to install it . Do solenoids in the valve body directly correlate to reverse?

 

[RonD]

Automatics operate on fluid pressure
80-100psi for forward gears
140-150psi for Reverse

Reverse delay or loss is usually because of low pressure, which is often caused by leaks in the Valve body, gaskets or seals
And lower pressure will effect forward gears as well

You can add a bottle of "Trans fix", it swells gaskets and seals so can increase pressure

But replacing the valve body can get many more miles on the clutches and bands which generally last 250-300k, IF..................its not been slipping for too long, which wears out the clutches and bands, lol

 

[Shran]

Are there any codes present? O/D light flashing?

Reverse requires more fluid pressure to operate than other gears do, that is why forward gears continue working to some extent when reverse fails completely.

I don't believe any of the solenoids control reverse but I could be mistaken. Regardless... your issue is more than likely related to low pressure somewhere. Could be other things but with a low mileage transmission it seems somewhat unlikely unless it's been worked hard or abused.

You could try replacing the valve body itself before having it rebuilt. Worn valve bodies can leak internally... blown out gaskets can affect pressure too. Somewhat of a crap shoot at this point for you but if you feel like trying it, there is a chance it could get you fixed.

 

[azrangerman85]

Automatics operate on fluid pressure
80-100psi for forward gears
140-150psi for Reverse

Reverse delay or loss is usually because of low pressure, which is often caused by leaks in the Valve body, gaskets or seals
And lower pressure will effect forward gears as well

You can add a bottle of "Trans fix", it swells gaskets and seals so can increase pressure

But replacing the valve body can get many more miles on the clutches and bands which generally last 250-300k, IF..................its not been slipping for too long, which wears out the clutches and bands, lol

Laughing ? I depend on getting to work . I don't appreciate laughter at this problem.

 

[azrangerman85]

Are there any codes present? O/D light flashing?

Reverse requires more fluid pressure to operate than other gears do, that is why forward gears continue working to some extent when reverse fails completely.

I don't believe any of the solenoids control reverse but I could be mistaken. Regardless... your issue is more than likely related to low pressure somewhere. Could be other things but with a low mileage transmission it seems somewhat unlikely unless it's been worked hard or abused.

You could try replacing the valve body itself before having it rebuilt. Worn valve bodies can leak internally... blown out gaskets can affect pressure too. Somewhat of a crap shoot at this point for you but if you feel like trying it, there is a chance it could get you fixed.

Speed sensor turbine error. the sensor fails intermittently but doesnt effect my driving I still have shifting and overdrive off and on

 

[Shran]

Laughing ? I depend on getting to work . I don't appreciate laughter at this problem.

I am sure Ron was not laughing at you, it's just ironic how a problem can sort of cause itself. No need to get upset. Low pressure that causes only partial application of clutches or bands feels like slipping but it creates a problem with the additional wear.

Speed sensor turbine error. the sensor fails intermittently but doesnt effect my driving I still have shifting and overdrive off and on

Yeah I don't think that would affect reverse or cause slipping either.

 

[azrangerman85]

I am sure Ron was not laughing at you, it's just ironic how a problem can sort of cause itself. No need to get upset. Low pressure that causes only partial application of clutches or bands feels like slipping but it creates a problem with the additional wear.



Yeah I don't think that would affect reverse or cause slipping either.

an old timer told me he thinks its my tcc solenoid

 

[RonD]

TCC can't effect Reverse, it causes "slipping" at higher speeds, above 30-35MPH, if torque converter is not locking
4Rs and 5Rs do have an EPC(electric pressure control) solenoid, this could cause lower pressure but usually not low enough to effect Reverse

Need to pull the transmission to replace TSS sensor, just FYI
But TSS problem also will not effect Reverse, it can effect forward gear shifting

I was laughing at the obvious fact at 250-300k miles you would rebuild the whole transmission, not just repair valve body
"IF..................its not been slipping for too long, which wears out the clutches and bands, lol