My car will not go in reverse but will drive forward. What could be wrong with it?

My 2003 Ford Escape cranks and drives forward with no problem, but will not go in reverse. I tried putting it in neutral and pushing it backwards, but something catches and it won't budge. I did the same thing in reverse, no luck. My car is parked in my garage and I can't get it out to take it to a repair shop. Does anyone know what may be wrong with it? Does anyone know what I could do to get it out of my garage?

Assuming it is a 2003 Escape equipped with the 3.0L V6 and CD4E transaxle, the following are the possible causes for a "no reverse" symptom:

ENGAGEMENT CONCERN: NO REVERSE ONLY Possible Component Reference/Action

ELECTRICAL ROUTINE
Powertrain Control System
· Electrical inputs/outputs, vehicle wiring harnesses, powertrain control module, SSA on, transmission range (TR) sensor
· Run On-Board Diagnostics tests. Refer to Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis Manual for diagnosis.

HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL ROUTINE
External Shift Linkage
· Damaged, out of adjustment
· Inspect and repair as necessary. Verify linkage adjustment. After repairing linkage, verify that the transmission range (TR) sensor is correctly adjusted.

Incorrect Pressures
· Low line pressure
· Check pressure at line pressure tap. Carry out Line Pressure and Stall Speed Tests. Refer to Special Testing Procedures in this section. If pressure is low, check the following possible components: main control, pump assembly, reverse clutch assembly, low/reverse clutch assembly.

Main Controls
· Bolts out of torque specification
· Adjust bolts to specification.

· Gasket damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· 1-2 shift valve, SSA, main regulator valve, low/reverse modulator valve, low/reverse accumulator piston, pressure tap plate damaged, missing, stuck, misassembled
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· Separator plates damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· Hydraulic passages damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

Pump Assembly
· Bolts out of torque specification
· Adjust bolts to specification.

· Gasket damaged
· Inspect for damage. Install new as necessary.

· Porosity/cross leaks/ball plug missing or leaking, plugged hole
· Install a new pump assembly.

· Pump support seal rings, No. 6 or No. 7, damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

Reverse Clutch Assembly
· Carry out Air Pressure Test.

· Seals, piston damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· Ball check valve damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· Friction elements worn, severely damaged or misassembled
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· Piston return spring damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· Reverse clutch hub to forward/coast/direct hub splines damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

Low/Reverse Clutch Assembly
· Carry out Air Pressure Test.

· Seals or piston damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· Friction elements worn or severely damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· Piston return spring damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· Wave springs missing
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

· Piston bore damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

Forward/Coast/Direct Clutch Cylinder
· Reverse seal rings damaged, missing, misassembled
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

Case
· Reverse to low/reverse clutch feeds have severe cross- leakage or porosity
· Carry out Air Pressure Test.

· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

Reverse/Overdrive Gear Set
· Damaged
· Inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

With all that said, you need to have it taken to either the Ford dealer or transmission shop to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. Either way, it's likely that the transaxle is going to require removal and disassembly to repair, if the TR sensor isn't the cause. You may print this answer and bring it into the servicing tech, in order to expedidite the diagnosis process. Hope this helps.