Transmission Problem...HELP !!!

[ark_firefighter]

Hi,

I'm a new member of this board, I'm David from Central Arkansas.
I own a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT, 2.5lt, 4 Cyl, Automatic Transmission.

The problem I have is when I start my truck and begin to drive the shifting from First to Second is delayed by several hundred RPM's then it shifts kinda hard. I have had to let off of the gas so make it no so ruff of a shift.
Then when driving in the city my Over Drive O/D light starts to flash and I loose alot of momentum at a traffic light trying to gain speed, as if the over drive was off, at this time there will still be the shifting problem.

Ford Dealership wants 150 bucks to run any "codes" and I have changed the fluid in the pan but NOT drained the complete 10 quarts.

Truck only has 128k miles and this problem just started a few months ago...please let it be a cheep sensior...SOME ONE HELP !!!

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ark_firefighter

Hi,

I'm a new member of this board, I'm David from Central Arkansas.
I own a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT, 2.5lt, 4 Cyl, Automatic Transmission.

The problem I have is when I start my truck and begin to drive the shifting from First to Second is delayed by several hundred RPM's then it shifts kinda hard. I have had to let off of the gas so make it no so ruff of a shift.
Then when driving in the city my Over Drive O/D light starts to flash and I loose alot of momentum at a traffic light trying to gain speed, as if the over drive was off, at this time there will still be the shifting problem.

Ford Dealership wants 150 bucks to run any "codes" and I have changed the fluid in the pan but NOT drained the complete 10 quarts.

Truck only has 128k miles and this problem just started a few months ago...please let it be a cheep sensior...SOME ONE HELP !!!

Welcome on your first post on AF.
Proper check on fluid level first.
What transmision and what kind of fluid did you feed it?
Did the problem start before or after fluid change?

We can not help much untill you get the codes checked.
A good repair shop may read codes cheaper.
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

Post back code no.

[ark_firefighter]

Problem started before fluid change shifts better after but still ruff

Transmission should be the 5R55E five-speed automatic 4x2
I'm taking a guess on the transmission type because I have over drive so it should be a 5 speed correct ?

Fluid is Mercon V
Engine 4 Cylinders 153 C 2.5L MFI

I heard that Auto Zone can run codes but does my truck need to have the code active or will it store it ???

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ark_firefighter

Problem started before fluid change shifts better after but still ruff

Transmission should be the 5R55E five-speed automatic 4x2
I'm taking a guess on the transmission type because I have over drive so it should be a 5 speed correct ?

Fluid is Mercon V
Engine 4 Cylinders 153 C 2.5L MFI

I heard that Auto Zone can run codes but does my truck need to have the code active or will it store it ???

It depends on there code reader or scanner.
If a code is not active it should be stored in history codes.
See what the come up with.
Post back code if the get any.
MT

[12Ounce]

AutoZone can only read codes that have to do with emissions (OBDII). Do you have a "check engine light"?

[ark_firefighter]

Okay... the Transmission is a 4 speed not a 5 speed.

I took the ranger by auto zone and its code reader said pass both while the Over Drive Light was flashing with the truck running and while the truck was off...it said Pass

So I called my brother in law whom has a 2004 ford mustang mach 1 and has droped around 15k worth of stuff into it. He has a code reader that is worth a few hundred dollars and here is what it said...

Code: Exaust Gas Return
No check engine light on so its good that we caught that earily but nothing in the current codes (OD light was flashing again when he ran it) and he checked the history and Nothing for the transmission just the EGR Valve.

His therory is the Tourke Converter Lock Up (or Lock Out) syniloid (pardon my bad spelling)

So now I'm at a loss would the ford dealership scanner be able to pick it up ?

ADVISE , Suggestions, Plan of actions ??? Someone help !

[12Ounce]

It takes special scanners to read transmission or chassis codes. You might try the local transmission shop to see if they will give you a better deal ... but be careful, they may give you only the code and little follow-up information.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ark_firefighter

Okay... the Transmission is a 4 speed not a 5 speed.

I took the ranger by auto zone and its code reader said pass both while the Over Drive Light was flashing with the truck running and while the truck was off...it said Pass

So I called my brother in law whom has a 2004 ford mustang mach 1 and has droped around 15k worth of stuff into it. He has a code reader that is worth a few hundred dollars and here is what it said...

Code: Exaust Gas Return
No check engine light on so its good that we caught that earily but nothing in the current codes (OD light was flashing again when he ran it) and he checked the history and Nothing for the transmission just the EGR Valve.

His therory is the Tourke Converter Lock Up (or Lock Out) syniloid (pardon my bad spelling)

So now I'm at a loss would the ford dealership scanner be able to pick it up ?

ADVISE , Suggestions, Plan of actions ??? Someone help !

Code no would help. What was the code no?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ark_firefighter

Okay... the Transmission is a 4 speed not a 5 speed.

I took the ranger by auto zone and its code reader said pass both while the Over Drive Light was flashing with the truck running and while the truck was off...it said Pass

So I called my brother in law whom has a 2004 ford mustang mach 1 and has droped around 15k worth of stuff into it. He has a code reader that is worth a few hundred dollars and here is what it said...

Code: Exaust Gas Return
No check engine light on so its good that we caught that earily but nothing in the current codes (OD light was flashing again when he ran it) and he checked the history and Nothing for the transmission just the EGR Valve.

His therory is the Tourke Converter Lock Up (or Lock Out) syniloid (pardon my bad spelling)

So now I'm at a loss would the ford dealership scanner be able to pick it up ?

ADVISE , Suggestions, Plan of actions ??? Someone help !

We need code no????

As said you need a good transmission/engine capable scanner to check it out.
If you have a egr code it could led to a bad DPFE sensor.
But depending on codes there is several TSB on transmission problems.
It need fixed before you wipe out the transsmission.

Your best bet is to find a good repair shop and have them check it out.

Tip on going to the dealer
Ask that only a factory certified gasoline engine /transmission performance specialist work on your car.
Not all dealerships are concerned with how repairs are dispatched, and not all dealership techs bother to take advantage of the training offered by Ford (the vast majority of which is paid training). If the dealer is uncooperative, ask for your money back and call around for a dealer that will accommodate you.

Tips on finding a good repair shop
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

Good Luck
MT

[ark_firefighter]

Well my brother in law was quoted as to paying over 400 bucks for this scanner so it should have done the trick.

He made no mention of a code number, his reader told him in english what it said but I will call him and see if it still has it stored or see if we can re-scan it.
Does a DPFE Sensor have anything to do with my transmission or what are you guys suggesting ??? I have no skills when it comes to automotive...I'm a Paramedic and former U.S. Army Infantryman... Killing bad guys and saving lives is about all I know, So slow down and explane the suggestions to me.

I will try to find a tech that can do it, but that might be hard in the area i am in considering that I'm in a remote area.

""But depending on codes there is several TSB on transmission problems.
It need fixed before you wipe out the transsmission.""
What does that mean ???

Buddy of mine had the same problem and was able to look it up in a fourm like this fixed it in 30 minutes...only he drives a dodge with a cummings...

I WILL TRY TO GET A CODE NUMBER BUT I MAKE NO PROMISES...
Need theroys and suggestions here...

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ark_firefighter

Well my brother in law was quoted as to paying over 400 bucks for this scanner so it should have done the trick.

He made no mention of a code number, his reader told him in english what it said but I will call him and see if it still has it stored or see if we can re-scan it.
Does a DPFE Sensor have anything to do with my transmission or what are you guys suggesting ??? I have no skills when it comes to automotive...I'm a Paramedic and former U.S. Army Infantryman... Killing bad guys and saving lives is about all I know, So slow down and explane the suggestions to me.

I will try to find a tech that can do it, but that might be hard in the area i am in considering that I'm in a remote area.

""But depending on codes there is several TSB on transmission problems.
It need fixed before you wipe out the transsmission.""
What does that mean ???

Buddy of mine had the same problem and was able to look it up in a fourm like this fixed it in 30 minutes...only he drives a dodge with a cummings...

I WILL TRY TO GET A CODE NUMBER BUT I MAKE NO PROMISES...
Need theroys and suggestions here...

Scanner give code numbers.
The code no will point you to the problem.
It could be a engine running problem or a transmission problem.
Engine running problems will make a transmission niot work right.

If it does have a transmission problem or a engine running problem it needs to be fixed.
Either one can damage a engine/transmission if not fixed.
Get the code no and post back code no.
MT

[e_powers]

Ford Dealership wants 150 bucks to run any "codes" and I have changed the fluid in the pan but NOT drained the complete 10 quarts.

well this is part of your problem. the tourqe converter holds alot of fluid in it and it does not drain at all. nor does the fluid in the tranny cooler. mixing old fluid with new is worse then not changing the fluid at all.

go get a friend, get a big tub, and 12 qaurts of tranny fluid.

1 disco the return line for the tranny cooler (one going back to the tranny)

2 open a bottle of new tranny fluid remove dipstick and place funnel in transmission fluid dipstick tube.

3 have friend turn on the engine and dump in all of the qaurts of tranny fluid one at a time. while checking the coor of the fluid coming out of the return line.

4. when the color of the fluid coming out of the transmission is the same color as it was when it was poured out of the bottle tell your friend to cut the motor off. hook the tranny cooler line back up top the level off start engine back up. check for leaks check level agian. and pay friend with a beer.

if this dont help you need a rebuild of transmission.

[bikerboy]

Originally Posted by e_powers

w

...3 have friend turn on the engine and dump in all of the qaurts of tranny fluid one at a time. while checking the coor of the fluid coming out of the return line...

this is very risky and i know of ppl who took their ranger to a Ford dealer and they did this and screwed up the transmission. you need more than 2 ppl to do this cuz if your tranny is without fluid for a couple seconds you will burn it up. i have the same problem with mine and if i drain the 4 qts that i get out of the pan 3 or 4 times a week i can tell a difference. i know it doesnt get it all but it helps..

mike

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by e_powers

well this is part of your problem. the tourqe converter holds alot of fluid in it and it does not drain at all. nor does the fluid in the tranny cooler. mixing old fluid with new is worse then not changing the fluid at all.

go get a friend, get a big tub, and 12 qaurts of tranny fluid.

1 disco the return line for the tranny cooler (one going back to the tranny)

2 open a bottle of new tranny fluid remove dipstick and place funnel in transmission fluid dipstick tube.

3 have friend turn on the engine and dump in all of the qaurts of tranny fluid one at a time. while checking the coor of the fluid coming out of the return line.

4. when the color of the fluid coming out of the transmission is the same color as it was when it was poured out of the bottle tell your friend to cut the motor off. hook the tranny cooler line back up top the level off start engine back up. check for leaks check level agian. and pay friend with a beer.

if this dont help you need a rebuild of transmission.

To Flush or not To Flush ?
Just like Kenney Rodgers said you have got to know when to fold and when to hold.
If the fluid has high mileage 100K or over or is real dirty you had better hold.
On a trans that has had good regular service at 50K or sooner a flush is good.
But be ware of jiffie/quick/wallmart /fast lubes that offer power and fast flushes.
They have abused and over rated the trans flush.
They have a habit of using one fit all fluid out of the same barrel that fits all.
They just throw in a bottle of additive to make it fit all. Or worse they pitch in a bottle of cleaner or dope in it that can do more harm than good. And will tell you the filter does not need changing with a flush.
Just remember that all new fluid makes a high detergent cleaner that will break loose all varnish and dirt and grit in the trans and drop it in valve body and solenoids.
Always change the filter and go easy on or use no dope and cleaner.
Adjust/check the bands and linkage on the trans that have bands and adjustments.
Always use the trans fluid the trans/manf calls for. And be aware that some manf have changed the type of fluid specs since the trans was manf.
Some fords have changed the specs and a lot of cry/dodge have gone to the newer type of fluid on their trans service.
Also some fords have tsb’s and require a total complete trans flush to cure trans shifting problems. Some as low as 30K
If a person does not have a flush machine a old 5 gallon bucket and a couple of rubber hoses to connect to the cooler lines and with the other end in the bucket will make a good flush machine. Just put the hoses in the bucket and start the engine and start pouring fluid into the trans until the fluid running into the bucket gets good and clean.
It usually takes 16-20 qts. To get a good flush.
Flush or No flush always service the trans filter and trans on a good regular basic.
People that keep the serviced have a lot less trans problems.

[rhandwor]

I had a 97 E40D and I went to ford and purchased a solenoid pack for the transmission. I purchased a paper and rubber gasket set from transtar. I cleaned the valve body and installed the solenoid pack in an evening.
I wouldn't try the valve body cleaning without a shop manual. The solenoid was just unplug and unbolt and install the new one and plug it in. You have to drop the transmission pan to do this. I had cleaned a valve body before on an AOD but I am not a transmission man. I drove the truck around 45,000 more miles before totaling it.
At that time the solenoid pack was around $65.00.
Replace all solenoids and change filter if you do it.