Plow truck won't go into reverse

[DavidS]

I've got it buried in 3 to 4 ft of snow right now. It'll try to go forward but no reverse. I can't even see under the truck right now since it's so buried.

It's a 1988 Chevy K-5 Blazer that has been a plow truck for it's entire life and was used to plow the runway at Bradley Airport.

It was working OK for the last 8 times I've plowed with it, but always when I put it in reverse it would take 10 to 20 seconds for it to actually go into reverse. Now, it has no reverse at all.

Any ideas on what needs to be repaired?

[SLP IROC-Z]

probably a valve body issue

[Formula413]

Dumb question I know but the fluid isn't low right?

[DavidS]

Originally Posted by SLP IROC-Z

probably a valve body issue

Thanks SLP!

[DavidS]

Originally Posted by Formula413

Dumb question I know but the fluid isn't low right?

When I put the new trans pan in, I put new fluid in. I've been checking it regularly and it always looks good.

I've been using the snow blower for the last 2 hours and barely made a dent. This sucks.

[Formula413]

Ugh, you've got a long driveway too. A bad valve body would probably make the most sense. I would think that if it were a clutch or a solenoid it would either work or not work. I'm far from an expert though.

[DavidS]

Originally Posted by Formula413

Ugh, you've got a long driveway too. A bad valve body would probably make the most sense. I would think that if it were a clutch or a solenoid it would either work or not work. I'm far from an expert though.

Thanks for the help Alex. I'm definitely not an expert, and I'll double check the fluid in the morning.


When I put it in reverse, I can hear the trans gears spinning, but the tires are not moving.

[SLP IROC-Z]

If it has Low gear it should have reverse. do the rest of the forward gears work?

[DavidS]

Originally Posted by SLP IROC-Z

If it has Low gear it should have reverse. do the rest of the forward gears work?

It's a column shift automatic and when I put it in Drive, it tries going forward but the wall of snow in front is blocking it. Tires are spinning away though. I didn't try putting it in First or Second. I can go try in now though.

[DavidS]

In First & Second it's trying to move forward. It was able to move a few inches forward.

Could it be a problem with the rear end?

Underneath is packed with snow. I'll have to shovel it out in the morning to see if the drive shaft is turning.