Auto Tranny Problem

[DonSor]

'99 4.0L Ranger with 125K miles. Vehicle still runs pretty good but lately I'm noticing strange shift problem with my tranny. The problem seemed more pronounced after the engine warms up. When it shifts from 1st to 2nd, it jerks. Not too noticeable during high rate acceleration but only during slow to moderate rate acceleration it jerks most of the time. I also noticed at times that when shifting from second to third, the engine races momenatarily as if the tranny disengages. Fluid level is good and no evidence of overheating or tranny fluid leak. Fluid and filter replaced during the past year. No other apparent problems shifting to overdrive and during high speed. Any ideas what's wrong?

[Davescort97]

I think it's time to rebuild the transmission. The clutch packs are worn and that's what is making the truck jerk during a shift. The clutch packs have 7 steel bands and 6 fiber bands. When the fiber bands wear out there is so much play that has to be taken up in order to complete the shift that it jerks. Again, there is so much play to be taken up on a power shift that the engine will rev up before the clutch pack can engage. The best thing to do would be to have a rebuilt put in. It might help to have some of the transmission medic put in it. It will swell the fiber bands and result in a smoother shift. Since it's already worn out it can't hurt and may help.

[DonSor]

How much do you think will a rebuilt tranny cost? Now to find a reliable tranny shop. Is AAMCO any good? In the meatime I'll try adding one of them Trans Medic.Thnaks.

[Davescort97]

I think about $1500 plus labor to get a rebuilt put in. AAMCO is good because they warranty their work and have outlets across the whole USA.

[DonSor]

I took my truck to AAMCO for a diagnostic. Their prognosis was that I will need a rebuilt tranny however I'm somewhat skeptical about their report. First they said I had a leak around the cooler. I checked it out and although there was a slight built up of tranny oil, there was no evidence (wet spots, etc) that it was leaking. Nonetheless, I tightened up the hose clamps. They removed the pan and pointed some metallic dusts but I had a hard time finding them especially around the magnetic strap. The fluid looked a little dark so I asked them to go ahead and replace the filter and put in fresh fluid as long as the pan was down but they said the problem could get worst as the result. So they put back the old fluid and told me I was a quart low. Of course, they must have spilled some fluid while rmeoving the pan. BTW, the diagnostic (OBDII) revealed a code (PO735-incorrect gear ratio, fifth gear). Nonetheless, I left the shop and added a quart Mercon V when I got home. I'm replacing the filter and put in fresh fluid. Don't know if that's gonna do any good but it's worth a try. The shop also estimated the cost to be 28-34 hundred dollars. A little too stiff so I'll get other estimates. Would it be advisable to add some of them transmission medic additives? Do they do any good?

[DonSor]

Follow up. I took my P/U to two other tranny shops to get their opinion. The overall consensus was that I my transmission need to be replaced. Among the three tranny shops the last shop invited me over and took the time to explain various damaged parts and components. damaged parts. Assuming that all three do good quality work, I got the best deal from the last shop.

[Franco2112]

Clean your butterfly blade at your throttle body with throttle body cleaner. My 2005 Ford Five Hundred was doing the same thing, erratic shifting. Cleaned it an all was well. Won't hurt to try! Might need cleaning anyway.
Franco

[DonSor]

Every oil change, I spray my MAF with CRC MAF cleaner and spray inside the throttle body with carb cleaner.