Ford Repair: 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD REVERSE, advance auto parts, ford thunderbird

Question
James, I have a 1997 Ford Thunderbird and my reverse will only work once the car has warmed up, it has been doing this for a few years now, thought maybe the transmission was going to go out but it hasn't happened yet.  Once the car warms up the car will go in reverse just fine.  Can you please shed some light

Answer
First I would like to apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I had some families issues that required attention and was away from my computer for a few days. Misty, are there any other symptoms other than the ones you provided. Does the transmission slip, at all, in any other gears? I don't think it is relevant with this question, but it helps me help you when you state the engine size. That being said Misty, I believe that you will need to continue what you have been doing to work around this problem. Call your local advance auto parts, and have them check on a used transmission through their salvage program. I got a transmission from them for a 1994 Thunderbird with a 3.8 V-6 for less than $250. The best part was the warranty, it is 18 months, which is unbeatable. Shop around for prices at local garages, and go for the middle price, between the at least 6 different quotes. In the meantime, have the transmission filter and gasket replaced. Whomever changes it, have them add 1 quart of Valvoline's ATF Stop leak, substituting it for one of the quarts of regular transmission fluid. That ATF Stop leak is designed to recondition seals and bands inside and outside of the transmission. At the very minimum, it should cut down the time it takes for you to be able to use the reverse gear. Again, thank you for your patience, and I hope this information helps you out.