Loving my rebuild Ranger but concerned about reverse engagement delay. I put it in reverse when warmed up after driving for a bit and the delay before it kicks on is about 1 second. When cold, its perhaps 3-5 seconds. Then today, i just started it up from being cold and had no reverse, so i shifted into drive and then back to reverse and it finally kicked in about 5 seconds later. Its a 5r55e behind a 4.0ohv 97 year.

The tranny was just rebuilt by a guy i know and trust who does ford transmissions on the weekends while working his shop during the day. I have about 200 miles on the transmission with no change.

I know my Mustang 4r70w had a delayed reverse issue but i fixed that by drilling the proper whole out larger in the valve body plate.

Is this similar or is this completely controlled by the reverse solenoid? All solenoids were tested during rebuild.

 

I just read Ron's post today on another topic and it appears to be a pressure issue in the valve body. I kinda wondered why it only costed $800 for the rebuild and he stated the issue with the tranny before the rebuild was with the rotating assembly for 2-3 i think.

I think for warranty, i would have to pull the tranny back out and give to him but i really dont want to do that. Should i ask the rebuilder if he can look at the truck in its entirety? If it were a valve body, it can be solved still in the truck.....

thoughts?

 

Pressure inside trans can be tested via outside ports, I would start there

There is no "reverse solenoid" just FYI, there are no "in gear solenoids", solenoids just control 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th shifting(well solenoid 1(A) is used, lol)
When shifter arm/shaft on side of trans is moved to R, D, 3, 2, 1 that mechanically engages the transmission, no solenoids involved, but...................

There is the EPC solenoid, electric pressure control solenoid
As you said, pressure may be the issue
100psi pressure is needed to engage Drive
150psi pressure is needed to engage Reverse

This EPC solenoid is adjustable
I would have your transmission guy test pressures before doing anything else, because that would confirm a pressure issue, because pressure is not the ONLY reason for delay or no Reverse

Good read here on expected pressure and an in general look at how automatics with solenoids work: https://atracom.blob.core.windows.ne.../2003_5_50.pdf

 

Took Ranger back to shop that rebuilt the trans, they kept it for a few days to replace valve body, that didnt fix it, they ended up pulling the transmission out and rebuilding it again. Fixed now.

 

Good stuff

Thanks for the update