Ford 3.0L transmission problem

[taztheman]

If anyone has any helpful advice it would be greatly appreciated. I have a 2000 Ford Ranger and whenever the engine/transmission gets hot (after a long drive) the transmission will shift harshly. It has very harsh shifts from 1-2. But whenever the transmission is cold it works perfectly fine. I don't have a check engine light on and the transmission fluid is clean and doesn't smell burnt. I am planning on changing the transmission fluid, filter, and valve body gasket.


Thanks

 

[01rangerxl]

Any idea of maintenance history? If not, then filter and fluid to start, maybe go ahead and do the valve body gasket.

I've "fixed" a couple with just fluid and filter. Never done the valve body fix personally, never needed to.

These transmissions need regular fluid replacement, and ideally need it done early on. They last a long time if they get a fluid change early. Filter doesn't matter as much unless fluid is neglected.

 

[Rolla07]

What mileage? I think your plan is a great starting point. Go from there

 

[FordBroncoVWJeta]

I'd add a quart of Lucus Transmission fix. That stuff did wonders for a couple of the transmissions in my cars with hard shifts.

 

[JamesBond]

I don't know anything about transmissions but I had an automatic escort that would do the same thing. Regular fluid changes with Castrol Import Multi vehicle would lessen the hard shifting when hot. Castrol imv is merconV rated but is a little thicker than other merconV fluids.

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted by FordBroncoVWJeta
I'd add a quart of Lucus Transmission fix. That stuff did wonders for a couple of the transmissions in my cars with hard shifts.

Not yet, maybe as an absolute last resort.

 

[PPWarrior]

Have you changed your coolant?

 

[clinebarger]

I would scan it for codes regardless!!

The PCM controls line pressure based on "Calculated Load"......MAF & TPS are the main inputs for this calculation.

Line pressure testing with a pressure gauge is invaluable & sometimes absolutely necessary to diagnose a automatic transmissions. When/If you want/need to do this.....I have a lot of information.
4R44E & 5R55E units require TWO gauges & whips, One for Main Line Pressure & the other for Pressure Control Solenoid Pressure.

 

[boulderdentist]

I had an 1989 Ranger which I purchased from my Dad in 2002, was his new in 1989. I just did drop pan, change filter every 30,000 miles or so and the original transmission went to 269,000 before failing. I had it rebuilt and finally gave up on the vehicle at 336,000 miles, transmission still doing fine, too many other problems. Original engine when scrapped. Suspension worn out, front and back windows leaking during rains, rear main seal leak, etc. I would start with fluid and filter. Then if problems some transmission shops will do no cost diagnosis. How many miles on the transmission?

Scott

 

[CharBaby]

Need more information.
Start with the basics.
How long have you owned this Ranger?
Is this harsh shift just starting?
Do you know the history?

Check level and if you have to add, just change ATF & filter. It may just need new fluid.