Auto Transmission in 4x4

[52classic]

Is there a transmission experet in the house? Pajero 2.8. TDI Exceed Auto - 18 years old and my P&J for the last 8 of those. Having sorted the head gasket and other issues over the years I would rather keep the car then scrap it but...... Has lost forward drive.
Initial symptoms were slow take up of drive but within a couple of weeks no drive at all!

Fine in reverse though. Removed transmission sump, cleaned filter and refilled with the right stuff. Old oil was not unduly contaminated and the sump magnets had barely any crud on them but it made no difference. You can feel drive engage but nothing more.

Is this likely to be the torque converter or the 'box itself? Could I have misses something obvious like a sensor or something?

Any ideas much appreciated before I bite the bullet and buy another one to break for its 'box.

[TheEnd]

I think things like this is due to insufficient oil pressures from some of the solenoids or some sort of bypass ball.

It'll depend more on the transmission type, but the loss of forward gears like that and reverse staying is a common complaint.

[52classic]

Thanks for the rapid response!

Annoying thing is that it is probably just one small component and of course changing the 'box is a big and heavy job on these. There are no adverse noises or leaks or overheating and everything is as clean as it should be..... Just hoping for an easy fix!

[TheEnd]

It's possible it could be a small ball bearing in an oil valve, but it could depend more on the type of the box.

[52classic]

Thanks again. I'll do some research on the type of box and you've encouraged me to speak to a transmission specialist to see if there is any prospect of fixing it in situ.

Can't come to terms with replacing the box for the sake of a ball bearing!