2000 A/T Ranger - Reverse has no power/doesn't work

[mrjoshd]

I have a 2000 2WD Automatic V6 3.0 Liter Flex Fuel Ranger

Today when backing up I had about half power, but I only had to backup 4-5 feet and I usually don't even have to give it gas, so I brushed it off as possibly not having it fully in reverse.

When I was leaving work this afternoon, I had absolutely no power in reverse. It's automatic, but I still had no issues moving it from park to reverse. Once in reverse, it simply is the same as neutral.

Overdrive, Drive, first, and second gears all work fine. They are all smooth and not jerky while shifting.

I've also checked for a transmission fluid leak and cannot find one (I am usually very observant and notice anything liquid). It was actually flushed just a few months back and I checked the level just to make sure and it was fine.

My brother has mentioned to me this is probably a torque converter instead of a full blown tranny issue. Before I go out and buy one or go to a mechanic, I want some confirmation on this.

If this is the case, while looking on Autozone, I found 2. They look like the exact same thing, just different part numbers, yet one is $128.99 and one is $226.99 (plus cores). If it is indeed the converter, how would I go about finding out which one to use. Of course a call into to Autozone won't help me out here as they are full of goobers - as was confirmed just minutes ago.

Thanks in advance for any help at all.

 

[4LO 4.O]

Sounds like the reverse band went out on you, if the converter was bad it would have problems in other gears as well.

 

[Bent Bolt]

It's not the converter. Go for a drive and shift it into MAN1 and MAN2. Does the trans give you engine braking ?? ( in MAN1, rev the engine to about 3000 rpm and then let off the gas pedal. Does the engine rpm's stay up and slowly come down as the vehicle slows or does the rpm's come down immediately ??)

 

[Bruce]

Sounds like the reverse band Broke one of the lugs off and band wont apply.

 

[mrjoshd]

If it is the reverse band, how can I check myself?

Is this an easy enough job that I can do it myself? Anybody have any links that might point me to a good start?

Thanks for the insight. I'll be sure to post up my solutions/fixes. If it's manageable by myself I'll include photos as well.

 

[Bent Bolt]

Did you test drive as I directed ?? It'll tell me alot as to whats happening in your trans. Replacing the band means tearing down the trans completely. It's the last piece to come out.

Besides, I've seen blown valve body gaskets do this as well. Be a shame to yank the trans to find a failed VB gasket.

 

[mrjoshd]

Yes, when I rev it up it does slowly come back down.


Don't know if this is of any help either, but I still do have brake lights when putting it in reverse.