Why Me?

"Zerofret" (zerofret)
06/05/2014 at 00:00 • Filed to: None

So, I just got home and now my auto tragic 2002 Mustang GT transmission won't shift into reverse. Basically when I shift into reverse, it's acting as another neutral. Can someone explain what this could be? I'm getting it towed to my mechanic in the morning, but I kinda want to know what exactly is going on. Is it fixable, or am I looking at a brand new transmission here? Opponauts assemble!

DISCUSSION (29)

Diesel > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:01

Your transmission hates you. Time for a rebuild.

kevinw > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:03

Would really help if you out make and model of vehicle.. I'm assuming its a manual trans

Zerofret > Diesel
06/05/2014 at 00:03

I figured... *goes into corner and cries*

Zerofret > kevinw
06/05/2014 at 00:04

It's a 2002 Mustang GT autotragic

kevinw > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:07

A couple things I got to ask.. What level is the fluid at. Does it smell bad. Is fluid dark. Is check engine light on

Squid > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:09

What do you drive? Is it making noise in the forward gears? If it isn't save yourself some cash and drive the car to the shop. I've heard of cars getting stuck in reverse, but not having the selector go into its slot and not have the gear selected. You could need a full rebuild or just a rebuild of the shift turret. You also could have damaged the shift fork. But who knows? I guess really to help any more you need to give us more information.

Zerofret > Squid
06/05/2014 at 00:10

It's an automatic mustang. It's taking a little more effort on the throttle, and there is a strange noise. I have towing on my insurance so that's not a problem.

Diesel > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:12

Sorry bro. At least it's not a total failure.

Zerofret > Diesel
06/05/2014 at 00:13

Kinja'd!!!

Yeah, It'll all work out in the end. On the bright side, I might just end up with a new transmission

kevinw > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:15

A rebuild is going to run you in the neighborhood of 2500- 3300. If you want one with a good warranty. Price gets cheaper with lesser quality parts. With transmissions when you repair them they have to be completely disassembled the repair shops will generally replace all clutches and seals. Not just the part or parts dealing with reverse.

Squid > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:15

You burned up some friction materials, you probably have a whine of some sort right? If its warranty, you'll get a rebuilt tranny swapped in, if you are paying for it it *might* be cheaper to have the tech dig into the tranny and rebuild it in the shop. But suffice to say, your tranny bit the dust.

Zerofret > Squid
06/05/2014 at 00:18

Kinja'd!!!

Yeah, it's a faint whine. I'm pretty much expecting the worst at this point.

Zerofret > kevinw
06/05/2014 at 00:19

I've gotta get back on the road as soon as possible. in your opinion would it be faster to get a new trans or rebuild in shop? I'm clueless when it comes to transmissions.

Squid > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:20

Yup, prepare your asshole. Hopefully your tech can rebuild the tranny for cheaper than sourcing a rebuilt from somewhere. But good luck on the diagnosis.

kevinw > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:24

It really comes down to location. Here in socal. There are ford dealers everywhere and companies like jasper . which you can usually get a rebuilt trans in one day.. $$$ if a independent shop does the work. You have a tech who needs to remove inspect and order parts. Install test ( maybe 2-3 days ). But mustang AOD are pretty common..

Zerofret > kevinw
06/05/2014 at 00:28

Yeah, I'm in Fort Worh so we've got ford dealers out the wazoo. Thanks for your help!

kevinw > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:34

Installing a used trans. Is never a viable solution. From experience its like Russian roulette. UNLESS you want to sell off the car.SOON.... The reason they are in junk yards is because they are crap. I worked at shops for a LONG TIME. Used is used. Rebuilds have warranties. Good luck. I have my fingers crossed for ya.

ly2v8-Brian > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:38

My guess is the Reverse band is messed up. It'll be a rebuild regardless.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:45

I was gonna say you might get lucky and just need a linkage adjustment, but reading through the comments I see "unusual noise"... Yup. Sorry. You're not getting out of this for cheap...

The Real Dacia Sandero > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:46

Manual swap time!

offroadkarter > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 00:56

what car do you drive? (kidding)

When was the last time you did a trans flush and how many miles are on the car? It sounds like you burnt a clutch pack out. You could find a junkyard 4R70W and throw it in if you don't want to do a total rebuild.

kevinw > Squid
06/05/2014 at 00:57

I know right. Hope he goes to a quality shop. Hopefully they will use some lube

kevinw > The Real Dacia Sandero
06/05/2014 at 01:06

Not as easy on a newer car. New computer. New pedal assembly driveshaft. Big money. I helped a Buddy do it on his 98 gt. Pain the butt

The Real Dacia Sandero > kevinw
06/05/2014 at 01:09

Shhhhhhhhhhh...

Dsscats > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 01:42

Where are you located? I could recommend a good mechanic for a rebuild

wabbalosthiskey > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 02:59

It needs a complete rebuild, don't waste your money. They actually go for a long time and in stock applications hardly ever break, so don't be too afraid of looking for a used one. I'd do that and just swap it in. You can always do a manual swap if you have tools and ambition, it's super easy. Add the clutch pedal and cable, bolt in a flywheel/clutch and transmission, and replace the console insert with a manual version w/boot.

Bricks > kevinw
06/05/2014 at 04:34

What's a pedal assembly driveshaft? Or do you mean pedal assembly and driveshaft?

Meatcoma > Zerofret
06/05/2014 at 09:24

If it's straining to move forward also, could be burnt up torque converter.

kevinw > Bricks
06/05/2014 at 09:50

Yeah. I couldn't find the comma button on my phone and was being lazy