I have a 97 4.6 4x4 with a 5 speed manual. Today when i got in to move it it would not go into reverse. All i hear is a meshing sound not loud like missing a gear but a mellow gear sound and no reverse at all. All forward gears work fine just reverse will not engage.It goes into reverse shifting without a problem but it does not engage. What could be the issue here??
Thanks in advance guys for any help.

Jim

 

Does it feel like the clutch is dragging - engaging real close to the floor?

 

The clutch feels great in all forward gears, it lets out nerer to the top of the petal as it always has. When i shift into reverse there is just a slight gear meshing noise but it is not loud just a mellow gear noise. I have had no problems at all until i tried to move it backwards this morning??.

 

What happens if you put it in reverse with the engine off, then start it and let out the clutch?

 

Obviously something in the tranny. Only internal problem I c an think of that fits your description is the shift fork for reverse. It is either worn or the pin is sheared. Was any work done on the tranny just before these symptoms started?

 

It is all OEM only thing i have done is change the fluid in it. I have never had any problems with it in 12+ years. I have tried all above mentioned things to no avail. I am going to take it in and have it checked out. I was thinking maybe a snap ring broke or something???. It is so dam cold out!! Hell maybe even a new clutch even or maybe it is time for something else. It runs so good i hate to get rid of her.

 

What would be the problem if i was fine with the motor not running and the clutch master cyclender is full... it gets better with me bleeding it but it just all out of the adjustment.

 

Your issue sounds like a clutch problem. Please create a new thread as your query just adds confusion to this one.

 

"UPDATE" I took the truck in today and while dirving there i noticed that when ever i would let off the gas in any forward gear it began to clatter and seemed to slip in and out of gear. Starting off in 1st and shifting into gears was not a problem but each time i had to coast while in gear it would begin to chatter and come inand out of gear. It is at the shop now so i will find out soon whats up. Any ideas out there. let me know.
Thanks Jim

 

Do you remember if the shift lever loose when in gear?

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

I do remember some play in thw shifter.

 

Update: Okay it is not the tranny nor is it the clutch. It is the 4 x 4 linkage.
I repaired the broked shifter bolt and did not know that the linkage itself was rusted and therefore when placed into gear it would grind gears and reverse was not there. Well my guy at shop called and said it was not engaged completely and was in between 4 hi and netural at the linkage. So long story short 122.00 bucks and she back up and ready for another 269,### miles. Never let me down yet!!! I am going to touch myself for a time. BRB