Reverse failure.....

[V6NavyBlueRanger]

I have a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT with a 3.0L V6 engine with a 4R44E transmission. When I start it up in the morning and put it into reverse it will take a while to kick in and start to move and sometimes will drop in causing the overdrive light to flash and a reverse failure code to be sent. I have replaced the servo o-ring and tranny pan gasket and cleaned the tranny pan but it didn't help. I am afraid it is damaging my transmission. HELP, I don't know what to do!!! Thank you for any help.

 

[Big Jim M]

I had one that did similar. I simply let it run a bit in the mornings and then put it in reverse. It worked well thataway until a few years went by and I traded it in.
I suspected a drain back of the fluid somehow while sitting. But outside of the cold start it never had any other tranny problems.
Big Jim

 

[V6NavyBlueRanger]

Yes that does seem to help. I usually don't have time too so that is why I was wondering for a fix. Thank you for your input. I have been researching and there are updated shift kits for the transmission that say they are supposed to fix the delayed reverse failure and I ordered one, so hopefully that will fix it!

 

[94RoadkillRanger]

I have a 1998 Ford Ranger XLT with a 3.0L V6 engine with a 4R44E transmission and also have no reverse, removed it and almost finished tearing it down. It will get a master/super rebuild. The reverse servo has two o-rings, not one and also its own gasket (not mentioned). The band could be cracked and it is in the very back on the tranny which cannot be replaced on vehicle. You might also have a gasket tear on the main control unit.

 

[V6NavyBlueRanger]

Ya I saw something about that band breaking but didn't want to get into the tranny or pay for a rebuild. I hope that this kit I ordered will fix it so it is a cheap fix and doesn't break the bank for inner tranny work.

 

[94RoadkillRanger]

As it turns out, my reverse band was broken in two. Everything will cost less than $300, including replacing my snap ring pliers.

 

[V6NavyBlueRanger]

That is good it didn't cost too much, I'm glad to know thank you. In case this kit doesn't fix it I will look into that.