You may need another transmission if your Ford Explorer will not drive in reverse. The best way to find out is to take it to a local mechanic.
The simple thing to do here is get beneath the transmission and see if the lever arm there is moving to the reverse position - prefereably with the engine not running. It may be a silly milimeter out of adjustment. lol
You need a new gear box (transmission)
Turn around and look out the back window.
It's definitely a transmission problem. Any further analysis will require a bit of hands-on work to determine the cause.
car will jerk forward and then go in reverse
truck will only go forward not in reverse does this mean the transmission is gone
The simplest answer is that the transmission is damaged beyond normal operation and needs to be serviced. This normally isn't something that a household mechanic can fix. It requires removing the engine the transmission from the frame. The usual culprits are jammed or cracked forward engagement pistons, but the problem can be even more serious and more deeply rooted. It is recommended that if you vehicle shows these signs (Drives only in reverse) then you should take it to an ASE Endorsed Mechanic or shop.
does it shift into reverse and wont drive? if so its your tranny it needs to be replaced
Your forward gears are out in your transmission I recommend you take it to a shop.
The 4 Quadrants are;1 FORWARD DRIVE2 REVERSE BRAKING3 FORWARD BRAKING4 REVERSE DRIVE
* cause it needs to be put in drive to go forward
Another problem might be the sun gear drive shell in your auto transmission. GM 4L60 transmissions are notorious for this problem causing a no reverse symptom. this means that you will need some serious work done on your vehicle