I have a 2003 Mustang (3.8L v-6) and tonight my husband shifted way too fast into reverse ("peeled out") from a stopped position. It did move backward but there was an awful grinding/clunking noise. Then it got stuck in reverse gear. He got it out of reverse and it now drives absolutely fine in all forward gears. But, getting into/out of reverse is nearly impossible and makes a loud grinding noise and the car shudders and "clunks". Basically, reverse is completely blown.

When I take it in to get fixed I want to know what I am talking about so I don't get screwed over financially. From what I have been reading, it sounds to me like a broken Reverse Idler Gear. Am I on track? What else could it be? Can just that part be fixed/replaced or am I looking at a complete transmission replacement? What is the average cost of replacing the reverse idler gear? Or the average cost of any other repair you think may be needed.

Any and all advice would be very greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

My guess is that a FORD dealer will not go into the
transmission, but look to put a new one in.
From the JY prices I would say they will get
between 2 to 3 thousand dollars.

Pretty expensive for a stupid move.

2000
Transmission
Ford Mustang STILL IN CAR,5SPD,3.8L 28,960 A CK0068 $850 Cosner Brothers - PRP, PRP-MA USA-VA(Troy) E-mail 1-800-248-6161

1999
Transmission
Ford Mustang 3.8,5SPEED,2-99,7K 7,000 A D0023 $770.84 M and M Auto Parts, Inc. - PRP, PRP-MA USA-VA(Stafford) Request_Quote 1-800-586-5492 1-540-659-2023

2002
Transmission
Ford Mustang 3.8,5SPD,23K 053390 $550 Devore Cooke's Auto Parts Co. Inc. USA-NC(Fayetteville) Request_Quote 1-800-682-4313

You maqy look into taking it into a
Transmission repair rather than the dealer.

Good luck

 

Sounds like hubby needs to get another job to pay for that tranny.

 

I did the same thing to my car. It will still function, it will just make the noise. You're tranny isnt going to go out, I promise. Trannys will ALWAYS make noise in reverse.. but I did it 2 months ago. Still backs up like normal, just a bit loud =)

 

That sux that he did that. I say drive that tranny to the ground and then get a new one.....Don't let your hubby drive the car again.

 

It depends on how much you use the car.
By doing what he did he tore up some stuff nd it put a decent amount of crap into the trans oil.
If you need the vehicle I would at least change the oil in it so it doesn't get crap into the bearings and other tight spots.
Don't use reverse unless you have to.
It is winter though, a good time to do a tranny.

KO