So I’m buying a 1997 Ranger with a 2.3L and it’s automatic. It runs fine, it’s just the transmission won’t go into reverse. The owner says it was like that when he bought it, could be a number a things that’s causing it. Are there any common problems that cause this, and/or would it be worth it to switch to a manual transmission instead?

Before you comment, yes I’m going to buy it anyway, it’s cheap. And don’t say to go to manual or stay with automatic just bc you hate the other

 

I'm not too familiar with automatics, but I will say this.
Reverse takes the most pressure to engage, so check your fluid level _ most common problem.
You may have done that already though.


Not easy to change to a manual.
Computer is programmed for an automatic.
And of course, you have to change out the flywheel and add clutch/slave/master.
Other things like the center tube hardware for the interior.
You would pretty much need a donor truck.
Big job, easier to repair the automatic.

 

I haven’t had a chance to check it yet, only had the time to drive down and take a look at it. There’s a high chance you’re right, and I’m hoping you are, since a new trans is about as much as a new Ranger from that year. I’ll definitely check that ASAP though.

Is there anything else that might cause that? I’ve heard there is a transmission fluid filter. Is it possible that’s gotten clogged? It has about 250k on it and I wouldn’t be surprised if it had never been changed.

 

Well, if there is 250k on the trans and it hasn't been serviced before , don't waste your time servicing it now .......... chances are it's done

 

Joseph.
Check the trans oil.
It should be a very light coloured red on the dip stick and shouldn't smell burnt.
If you have some fresh ATF (automatic trans fluid), the you can use that to compare.

If it's just low, maybe that's all it needs _ you're lucky if it does.

If it's just low, but still clean and not burnt smelling (not dark or black in colour), then you may be able to get away with simply changing the filter and topping it up.

How do the forward gears shift _ nice and smooth _ does it jerk into gear from neutral or park ?

Does it slip when you step on the gas ?
Is only the reverse gone ?

 

Honestly, I didn’t have time to test it, just to take a look at it and hear it run. Next time we meet I’ll definitely be testing it.

I did recently check the trans fluid on my dad’s 2000 Ranger. I was the only one that could tell it was off on the way it was shifting. Turns out it has burnt fluid, so I’ll probably be doing something about that soon.

If the Ranger I’m buying has low trans fluid AND it’s almost burnt, is it possible that topping it off with fresh would be a temporary fix? I know that it may eventually need the clutch pack (I think that’s what it’s called) replaced if it has burnt fluid for too long.

 

if your fluid is burnt adding new fluid will make it slip.

if you have pink full fluid you can try dropping the pan, catching all the fluid, filtering the fluid, changing the trans filter, putting the old fluid back in, and topping off any lost fluid with new. this should give you the best shot.
IF that works by some miracle you should repeat at the next three oil changes as there is some junk in your transmission system and it will flush itself out.

 

honestly if you have burnt fluid but no metal sounds in your transmission yet, you should have it rebuilt immediately. the next thing to fail is the sprag clip and once it does your transmission is not rebuildable.

 

I appreciate the help everyone has given me, but the owner sold it out from under me. I do have my eyes on a 94 that’s in much better shape, so wish me luck.