518

[Robbie2734]

Question about a 98 van auto. A friend lost the kickdown linkage (came apart) and he has no reverse now. 1 thru 4 seem ok after he repaired the kickdown but it won't go into reverse. He says it seems to try but won't engage. What happened? It's a extended van with a 360 and I believe it's a 518 auto.

 

[fishy68]

If it has all forward gears it's most likely a rear band servo blew a seal or broke. Or the band itself could be worn out. Could even be a broken band strut. Anyway he'll have to pull the pan for an inspection.

Did he drive it much without the throttle pressure linkage on it? If so tell him it's time for a rebuild cause he most likely trashed it. The throttle pressure linkage (kickdown) is absolutely crucial to have working. You can toast a trans. in just a few miles without it.

 

[70aarcuda]

usually rear servo...band strut...if it is only reverse....

 

[Mark Nixon]

Careful, these are computer controlled, best to see if it faulted through the computer, by seeing if it threw a code, but it most likly is a physical failure.

Not sure if this works on a CPU controlled transmission, but you can tell if you've lost band assist by putting the trans in manual low and drive it, then let off the gas. If it drags down, the band assist is working, if it acts like you stuck it in neutral (engine idles down, vehicle rolls at same rate), there's no band assist, ergo, a servo or band is screwy.

Mark.

 

[Robbie2734]

Thanks for the help guys, he did drive it a while without the kickdown. The trans oil doesn't smell 'burnt" but it isn't normal either. The first gear test was ok, the trans did slow the van. It shifts normally 1thru 4 and tries to go in reverse. I guess it's time to pull it and either replace it or rebuild it. He has about 95,000 on it and the engine runs great. It is one huge honkin van!