Answer
Apr 18, 2024 - 11:35 PM
Hey Bill, thanks for serving our country, and sorry to hear about your RV woes. That funky reverse situation in your 1996 Ford V8 350 Class B190 sounds like an issue with the valve body or linkage inside the transmission. Here's what could be going on:
1.) Sticky Valve Body: The valve body is like the brain of the transmission, directing fluid to the right places to engage gears. Sometimes the channels or valves can get sticky with varnish or debris, making it difficult to engage reverse when the engine's running and there's pressure. The reason it works with the engine off is because there's no hydraulic pressure to fight against.
2.) Shift Linkage Blues: Less likely, but the linkage that connects the shifter to the transmission could be bent, worn, or misadjusted. This could explain why it works only in a specific sequence (engine off, then to neutral).
Diagnosing transmission problems can be tricky, but here's what I recommend:
A.) Check the Transmission Fluid: Low or dirty fluid can cause all sorts of shifting problems. Make sure the fluid level is correct and that it's nice and red, not brown or burnt-smelling.
B.) Consult a Transmission Shop: If checking the fluid doesn't reveal anything, it's best to have a professional mechanic at a transmission shop take a look. They can diagnose the problem (sticky valve body, linkage issue, or something else) and give you an idea of what repairs might be needed.
In the meantime, avoid using that trick of turning the engine off to engage the reverse. It's not ideal for the transmission and could cause further damage. Better to be safe than sorry!
Goog luck getting your reverse back to their smooth, release-happy selves in no time!
1.) Sticky Valve Body: The valve body is like the brain of the transmission, directing fluid to the right places to engage gears. Sometimes the channels or valves can get sticky with varnish or debris, making it difficult to engage reverse when the engine's running and there's pressure. The reason it works with the engine off is because there's no hydraulic pressure to fight against.
2.) Shift Linkage Blues: Less likely, but the linkage that connects the shifter to the transmission could be bent, worn, or misadjusted. This could explain why it works only in a specific sequence (engine off, then to neutral).
Diagnosing transmission problems can be tricky, but here's what I recommend:
A.) Check the Transmission Fluid: Low or dirty fluid can cause all sorts of shifting problems. Make sure the fluid level is correct and that it's nice and red, not brown or burnt-smelling.
B.) Consult a Transmission Shop: If checking the fluid doesn't reveal anything, it's best to have a professional mechanic at a transmission shop take a look. They can diagnose the problem (sticky valve body, linkage issue, or something else) and give you an idea of what repairs might be needed.
In the meantime, avoid using that trick of turning the engine off to engage the reverse. It's not ideal for the transmission and could cause further damage. Better to be safe than sorry!
Goog luck getting your reverse back to their smooth, release-happy selves in no time!
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