The C4 transmission has all forward gears but no reverse.
I’m informed that this sometimes is due to the reverse “strut rod” dropping out when the valve body is removed.
To prevent this you are supposed to keep snugging up the bands as you gradually pull the valve body out.
Clueless ass that I am for not researching more carefully I took no precautions with the result that in all likelyhood the reverse gear strut rod has dropped from contact.
Now the question is how can I get it back into position?
Any tips much appreciated.
I think if you talk to a transmission builder he will tell you that the reverse is gone because your one way clutch is gone. It likely needs a whole rebuild as metal shards will be everywhere from the one way clutch losing its guts.
I think the one way clutch is ok but who knows.
You’re still right, I’ll have to replace it. Honestly I should have known better, it had around 300000 miles on it when I pulled engine and tranny. And then it sat 20 years.
If all three gears are present except for reverse, then the reverse servo is the issue. It could be the strut has fallen out of place, although not likely, or the servo is leaking. If you have automatic 1st gear, the one way can’t be bad unless having 1st gear is dependent on you being in manual 1. You can easily drop valve body and air check the servo. The direct clutch has to be good because you have 3rd. Only the low reverse band and direct clutch are on in reverse
Like EC said, it’s most likely the reverse servo, possibly the band failed. The one way has no involvement with Reverse. The Low-Reverse band is cast iron, and were often not replaced during a rebuild. It’s possible the band cracked, or the servo failed. Removing the valve body will reveal a cracked band, as the strut will likely fall out along with the broken part of the band.
You all were right.
No problems with strut thing, I probably messed up the check valve or something else.
In any event I bought a rebuilt transmission and torque converter.
Struggling to get it in now. Almost there.
“Almost there” was insanely optimistic!
Finally got the rebuilt transmission and torque converter installed. Still have Issues with kickdown linkage.
Noted water leak at drivers side rear of intake manifold.
Removed manifold and installed new gaskets.
Bought cooling system pressure test kit.
Pressure test good. No more water leaks.
