Chrysler Repair: 95 Chrysler Cirrus LXi No Reverse, powertrain control module, chrysler cirrus

Question
I have a 1995 Chrysler Cirrus LXi, 2.5 with 4 speed automatic. One day I left on a long trip, backed out of driveway, drove about 30 miles, several of them up a canyon, pushing the car very hard. Got to summit, stopped, shut car off, few minutes later started car put into reverse and it was like being in neutral. Check fluid, trans fluid was very low (2 quarts low), topped off with fluid but didn't help. All forward gears work great, no problems at all with them. I get just enough reverse that on level smooth asphalt I can back up and in the air (on a hoist) reverse appears to work. I have replaced the solenoid pack with a known good used one. I replaced Transmission Control Module with good one. I replaced Powertrain Control Module (for another problem). I have drained and filled the transmission numerous times with new filters each time. I have tried many transmission fix fluids out there and they haven't helped. I never found any chunks or excess material in the pan. I never had a problem with the transmission before that one day, no slipping or anything. I've been driving this car daily with just forward gears for 1.5 years and about 15,000 miles now. Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Michael,
The reverse clutch is certainly suspect because it it only needed for reverse gear. You might test the hydraulic pressure at the reverse clutch port (third from the front, using a 300psi gauge, putting the trans in reverse, using the brake to lock the wheels, rev the engine to 1500 rpm, see if it reads 165-235 psi). If it didn't that would show a clutch circuit leak, but then you would still be faced with overhaul to find such a leak. You could also do the air pressure test on the reverse clutch to test whether it functions, but if it didn't then that would point to an overhual. Passing those two tests would suggest the clutch is worn out. So either way I see no easy fix.
The fact that there is no other fault condition that does not affect other aspects of the trans except a faulty reverse clutch appears to me to say the reverse clutch is shot.
I have to say that I am not an expert in the automatic transmission but am just intrerpreting what I read in the Chrysler manual. I assume that competent, honest trans mechanics have not suggested anything as an alternative to overhaul. If not, you can ask for opinions, usually at no cost.
If you find another explanation I would be very interested to know.
Roland