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Why doesn't my car back up?

Sent to Car Experts June 03 09:10 PM

My 1987 Sentra won't go in reverse. The transmission has been slipping since a friend gave me the car several months ago (it ws parked for two years). I put fluid in, no change. I've already spent $1500 on the car. Are there any easy fixes?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
June 4 2:00 AM (4 hours and 50 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Unfortunately, there are no quick cheap easy fixes for this condition. It sounds as if you have low transmission line pressure from a worn out front pump or internal leakage due to old hardened internal seals. If the vehicle was driiven with the transmission slipping, it most likely has damage to teh clutches also. If you check your fluid, and it is dark in color or has any kind of smell to it, then the transmission is overheating and has an internal failure.

A technician can attach a pressure gauge to verious ports on the transmission to determine what generally is going on inside, but the repair is the same in any case; the transmission will need to be removed and rebuilt, installing new seals, clutches, bands, and whatever other internal components are damaged.

There are some transmission seal conditioner additives on the market that soften up rubber parts, but in this case I really don't think they will do any good because once the transmission gets to the point of not moving there are too many other worn internal parts.

If this answers your question, please click on my accept button; thanks!

Steve7654 -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1736 Car Accepts
27 yrs ASE L1 Master Technician, Service manager
Reply
June 4 1:20 PM (11 hours and 20 minutes and 5 seconds later)
         
Reply to Steve7654's Post: I did put an additive in and it runs (forward only) much better. Is it ok to drive it being sure to park where I can go forward only? Or is it unsafe to do so. By the way, when it is put into reverse, it acts like an emergency brake is on or something. It seems like it wants to try but just can't go. Thanks for your assistance. Can I accept your replies all together or one at a time?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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