Chrysler Repair: Reverse gear problem, Voyager 96 3speed, gear shift linkage, automatic transaxle

Question
Hi Roland, I have a -96 Plymouth Voyager 2.4L automatic transaxle 3speed, 140k miles, bought in Dallas, that just passed the Swedish vehicle inspections without a single flaw. The next day, the reverse did not work at all. Nothing happens, it's just like having the gear in N. All the other gears work fine. The repair shop thinks it's an internal problem, and that the transaxle needs to be replaced, which is too much money for an old car, I think. What might be the problem, and is there anything I can do?


Answer
Hi Ulf,
There are several possible adjustments that could be tried:
The hydraulic pressure could be low due to a faulty pump. Check pressure at ports
Valve body malfunction. Check valve body and repair
Low/reverse band, servo or linkage malfunction. Repair low reverse servo, adjust reverse band and linkage
Incorrect gear shift linkage. Adjust gear shift linkage

The other causes do require rebuild. If no shop has a detailed manual for some of these possibilities I could selectively xerox copy and postal mail you the pages from my '95 manual.
Let me know if that would help. I would send these to you without cost, but if it is not too difficult/costly to reimburse me for actual costs after you get the pages that would be appreciated. In any case I will get these to you.
Roland