Windstar 2000 (3.8L) will not go in reverse

[imnprsd]

My 2000 Windstar (3.8L) with 75,000 miles will not reverse and has these problems:
Problem #1) History of “clunking” into to reverse 25% of the time.
Problem #2) All of sudden, the reverse will not engage until I rev-up the engine to 2,500RPM and then it slowly engages and reverses the car. However, it only has enough force to move the car on level ground and if I rev the motor it feel like something is “slipping inside.”
These symptoms listed above should allow an expert transmission person to deduce which of the following problem(s) when fixed will get my reverse working again, but which one is it?

A) There is a crack in the reverse piston. (I understand you can repair this without dropping the transmission, by removing the valve body. Is this true?)
B) The reverse clutch is bad. Question: Is there a reverse clutch in this tranny? (And is the onlly solution a complete overhaul?)
C) There is a reverse band that his slipping or failed. Is there a reverse band in this tranny? (And is the onlly solution a complete overhaul?)

Note: I used 3/4 can of Seafoam and then drained the pan fluid, but didn’t change the filter…I then added Rislone Transmission Stop Slop and 3 qts of fluid...and now the tranny works great (even better than before) in all forward gears, but still no change in the reverse gear.

So I would really appreciate knowing what is the least expensive way to fix this reverse problem, because this car is only worth $1,500 and that's with the transmission working properly. Plus it’s a shame to overhaul the entire tranny just because the reverse is not working and in my case I only drive 5,000 miles/yr so I don't want to put $2,500 into a full overhaul if I don't have to. Please advise!

[imnprsd]

Closure at last! ....On my 2000 Windstar (with just 75,000 miles, 3.8L, A4S Trany) the fix was to replace the reverse clutch! Fortuneately, I found a very honest tranny shop owner who removed the tranny, split the case, fixed the clutch, and reinstalled it for $950. (Of course he's not going to guarantee the tranny will keep functioning properly for 1-year, but that's okay with me. I'll take my chances.)

Note: My tranny guy was right! However, I probably saved money presenting the TSB and appealing to his good senses; i.e., I only drive 8,000 miles per year so I don't need a $2,500 tranny rebuild -- that will last 100,000 miles -- when the car is only worth $2000! ...And that's after he fixes the worn-out reverse clutch! (Good luck to all of you.)

[Windstartled]

Glad you did not give up on your Winnie despite the repair cost. My take on the matter is not "do I want to sink that much cash on a 13 year-old van" but rather "do I want to keep on driving it because I like it"

[12Ounce]

Glad you got the tranny problem resolved.

I think more like 'Startled. The vehicle represents a "ride" to me, not an "investment" ... so market value does not inter into the equation for me. I don't hesitate to buy the most expensive tires, oils, parts; whatever for my '99 with 350k miles. It is ready to carry me, safely and efficently, from coast-to-coast at all times ... or my mind-set is; "it needs to be fixed".

I replaced my tranny with a Ford reman for less than $2K a few years ago. It now has over 130k miles on it ... is full of good looking Mobil1 fluid ... and seems to be working flawlessly. But I would spend another $3K for a tranny tomorrow if need be.

[Windstartled]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

I think more like 'Startled. The vehicle represents a "ride" to me, not an "investment" ... so market value does not inter into the equation for me.

You are better with words than I am. Thanks to you now I can explain to inquisitive friends why I keep my van and intend to keep it for a long time still

The vehicle has most of the qualities I require and I know it very well, that's what matters.