Lincoln LS w/ no reverse.

I have a 2001 Lincoln LS V8 with 330,000 miles on it. It has been one hell of a car, but after about 315,000 miles the reverse stopped working. I had a rear brake pad actually shatter on me which made the brake piston come all the way out. I still drove it with only 3 brakes for about 30 miles(till I was somewhere safely). When I tried to engage it into reverse to back up after I pulled the car into a parking it engaged roughly, like I wasn't pressing the brakes down. 30 miles later when I tried to engage it into reverse to back into our shop, it wouldn't engage at first, it took several times. Sense then it hasn't worked, but a few times if I pull up a steep driveway and put it is reverse it and let my car roll backwards, it will engage reverse. I have had the car checked out by 2 Lincoln dealerships, both had it for less that 20 minutes and told me "yeah, you need a new one, $3,600 and we can get it done by next week". Now the car is at Aamco and they make me nervous. I was told it needs to be rebuilt, but that they don't know what is wrong with it.

Aamco stands for All Automatics Must Come Out.
For sure they will say you need to replace/rebuild the transmission. And, they will probably mess it up.

A no reverse condition is usually not that major of a problem. Here's a list of the things that it could be. Most of them are in the $500 and under range.

Engagement Concern: No Reverse Possible Component Reference/Action
202 — ROUTINE
Powertrain Control System


· PCM, vehicle wiring harnesses, pressure control solenoid C (PC C), shift solenoid B (SSB)


· Carry out on-board diagnostic tests. Refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual for diagnosis and testing of the PCM.


· Go To Pinpoint Test A and Go To Pinpoint Test D .


· Repair as required. Clear DTCs, road test and rerun on-board diagnostic test.
Main Control


· Screws not tightened to specification


· Tighten to specification.


· Separator plate damaged


· Inspect for damage. If damaged, install a new separator plate.


· Contamination


· Disassemble and clean.


· Valves, springs damaged, misassembled, missing, stuck or bore damage


· If damaged or parts are missing, install a new main control assembly. If misassembled, reassemble correctly. DO NOT stone, file or sand valves. This will remove the anodized finish and may result in further main control or transmission damage.


· Filter damaged, missing


· Inspect for damage, repair as necessary.
Direct Clutch Assembly


· Seals, piston damaged


· Inspect or damage. Repair as necessary.


· Check ball damaged, missing, not seating, off location


· Inspect for mislocation, poor seating, damage. Install a new cylinder.


· Friction elements damaged or worn


· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.


· Return springs damaged


· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.
Reverse Servo


· Servo retaining screws damaged


· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.


· Seals (piston and cover) damaged


· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.
Reverse Band


· Band damaged


· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.


· Servo worn or damaged


· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.
Reverse Drum Assembly


· One-way clutch damaged


· Inspect for damage. Install a new drum assembly.


· Bearing damaged


· Inspect for damage. Install a new drum assembly.
Torque Converter Assembly


· Torque converter internal failure preventing engagement, piston release


· Remove the transmission. Inspect for damage. Refer to Torque Converter in this section. If the torque converter fails to pass the criteria or is damaged, install a new or remanufactured torque converter.

Something similar happened on my 2004 LS with many fewer miles on it. Reverse was randomly VERY slow to engage, and often when it engaged it engaged very roughly. It caused my wife to spill her coffee the first time it happened. She of course thought I did it on purpose. At the time my car was still under warranty. The dealer replaced the servos at no charge to me and I never had another reverse issue with it for as long as I owned it.

-Rod

Something similar happened on my 2004 LS with many fewer miles on it. Reverse was randomly VERY slow to engage, and often when it engaged it engaged very roughly. It caused my wife to spill her coffee the first time it happened. She of course thought I did it on purpose. At the time my car was still under warranty. The dealer replaced the servos at no charge to me and I never had another reverse issue with it for as long as I owned it.

-Rod

I had to replace the solenoid valve assembly on my 04 as well. It didn't get as bad as you describe, it was just harsh reverse engagement as well as some bad shifting.