Questions and Answers

Ford Ranger Transmission Woes

Q. I have 1993 Ford Ranger 4X4 X-CAB, with STX package. The engine size is fuel injected 4.0L, and it has the automatic overdrive transmission. The truck has P/S, A/C, and about 117,000 miles. The 4X4 is the electronic-push button type.

Here's the problem: Apparently, I don't have 4th gear in the transmission. I get the truck up to highway speeds (and above), and it never shifts into overdrive. I've confirmed this by running around 70 mph, then manually moving the shifter out of "OD" and into "D" - there is no change in RPM, which indicates I'm running in 3rd gear. Also, when the truck is cold, after startup, moving from "P" into "D" or "OD", there is a significant lag before the transmission shifts into gear - the engine can be revved; it still takes around 10 seconds for the transmission to get the message to start moving forward.

I've drained fluid and replaced filter. Fluid was dark, but didn't smell burned. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

A. It's very possible that there is gum and varnish in the valve body causing the valves to stick. This may clear up over time as the new fluid cleans it out. But then again, it may not. It depends how long you went between fluid changes. You might want to try an additive that will help remove some of the build up.

Your OD problem may or may not be related to the first. It may also be electrical since that OD is electrically controlled.