Just lost reverse... whats wrong?

[87ttypeV8]

well after driving about 100 miles yesterday the car wont go into reverse now... it will switch into all the low gears and acts perfect in forward motion but in reverse... it just doesnt do anything... the speedometer stays the same and it seems like the reverse is just missing and that clutch has just disappeared... pleases help i dont want a new trans and wondering how long before the whole thing goes!
i only have 87,000 miles and the car isnt ragged on ever

 

[MeanBuicks]

Time to yank 'er outta there.

The low-reverse clutch pack has failed which is not uncommon for a 2004R (200 Metric 3-spd too) with some miles on it. That clutch is named such because it's also used in manual low range for additional engine braking.

You could probably drive thousands of more trouble-free miles with the transmission in that condition but having no reverse is a major PITA. Been there, done that with my Cutlass.

 

[87ttypeV8]

what is wierd is that it still decelerates quickly if i put it in 3rd at about 25 to 30... everything is perfect but no reverse... major pain in the a$$... this wouldnt have anything to do with the valve body at all? just the clutch pack failed?


fluid has bubbles and is a good red color still, kinda smells different

 

[78oldscutlass]

Have you tried pulling it down into the Manual 1 range? Do about 25 MPH and pull the shifter down into Man. 1 while decelerating . If the lo/reverse clutches are applying, the engine RPMs should raise up and slow the car down.

 

[MeanBuicks]

The decelleration you feel in manual third is a result of the overrun cluthes applying. They provide a direct link between the input and output side of the transmission. The low-reverse clutches provide additional engine braking, as mentioned by 78 cutlass, by preventing the roller-clutch in the rear of the case from overrunning.

With the low-reverse clutches disabled, you won't get the added engine braking feel in manual low in addition to no reverse.

 

[87ttypeV8]

well i tried to put it into 1st doing about 25...
slows me right down... just like before...
EVERYTHING in forward motion is good... all the gears work if i select them manually and slow me down/ decelerate and everything

just no reverse... very odd... i am thinking that the clutch pack is shot but i still have a good 1st gear?

i dunno i just dont want to get this rebuilt...
when the trans goes, the car goes!

 

[d0n_3d]

hey i lost reverse a couple months ago too...but then soon after i lost 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and OD!!! my tranny was toast and had to have it totally rebuilt...IMO get it rebuilt right the first time and forget about it...now i can beat on my car all day long without worrying about my trans...i had it rebuilt basically bullet-proof and boy was it worth the price...i would just pull it out and rebuild it...the STOCK trannys are GARBAGE from the factory...

 

[87ttypeV8]

arg

i do not have money for a new trans... so when the trans goes i think i am just going to junk the car

how long did your forward gears work after you lost reverse?

i would love for the car to last through winter but i dont think that will happen....

deep lake here we come!
my t will have a new winter home

 

[MeanBuicks]

Are you REALLY going to junk the car because the transmission needs repair?

 

[87ttypeV8]

most likely....
you dont even know how much work i have been having to do to that car

new alternator water pump, heater core, 1100$ for a rear end

then i got side swiped on the road and just rear ended a few weeks ago and i dont have collisison so the dents stay

i have an oil pan leak,

car needs some work and i am just sick of it!

time for it to go to the big garage in the sky

 

[87Regal5.0]

Hello! You are frustrated. That's understandable. However, you have a classic car. God will make a way for you to get it restored. I've been restoring mine little by little. Maybe someone here has the part you need and they could bless you with it.

Charles

 

[87ttypeV8]

hah that would be nice... its just that the trans isnt the only problem

radiator is junk, interior needs some help, getting a little rusty... just not worth it any more sad enough to say....

i got my money out of it i think and just need to stop here

too hard to pay for cars while still in school... its either i give up on this one or give up on the GN....

yeah real hard choice

 

[oldtimer]

Originally posted by 87ttypeV8
what is wierd is that it still decelerates quickly if i put it in 3rd at about 25 to 30... everything is perfect but no reverse... major pain in the a$$... this wouldnt have anything to do with the valve body at all? just the clutch pack failed?


fluid has bubbles and is a good red color still, kinda smells different

This might sound simplistic, but have you checked the shift linkage for correct adjustment, excessive play, sloppyness etc. ??

 

[87ttypeV8]

well it is getting worse

first gear i really have to wind o ut to shift so i just put into into 2nd and shift manually....

my car just freewheels in 1st now, no deceleration really

just hoping it lasts me a little while