Ok here is the problem I have. I can drive around town low speed just fine and take off great... by the way 1995 Ranger Splash 4.0 Automatic w/ Overdrive. I get on the highway going 55-60 Mph then have to slow for someone to turn off or for reduced speed zone in a small area then accelerate off to get back up to around 55 MPH, not really hard I am not hard on my vehicle like some people. I get a rumble like the rumble strips on the interstate shoulder to wake up if you swerve onto the shoulder or fall asleep this lasts for a few seconds and then goes away. This usually occurs on cooler days or damp days. Is there a recall on this problem? Is there a service on this problem? How much is this going to cost me and what is going on? I have noticed this is a colder natured truck compared to my 95 GMC Sonoma 2.2 L Also would it hurt having the transmission flushed and filter changed? I have had this truck 1 month and already having problems. I tried to get most stuff done shortly after I purchased it including oil/filter change, and spark plugs and wires, exhaust system checked, found out the brakes are almost new they guy who put on my spark plug wires had done them for the dealer. My friend keeps telling me if the truck hasn't had a tranny filter change and flush at 71,000 miles then not to do it because it can burn up gears or something. I don't know about that I can't tell if regular maintenace was kept on the truck but I know it had the original battery in it still kicking which was also replaced so I am assuming not regular maintenace but the air filter was clean. Thanks for your help and any other suggestions would help.. Need much help......

 

Hi scanmike and welcome to FTE

It sounds like the torque convertor clutch is shuddering. Flushing the transmission will quite likely cure it. If you do a search on here you'll find other posts about the same problem.

 

What your friend is telling you is just to let the transmission burn up and then get it rebuilt. From what I've gathered from those who say not to change the fluid is the high detergent qualities of the new fluid can loosen up gunk inside the tranny and cause it to have problems. Well, if that's really a concern, then get it flushed now and do it again after 1000 - 2000 miles. To me, not changing the tranny fluid makes about as much sense as not changing your engine oil if you go over 3000 miles. Eventually, it'll just blow up and then you can get it rebuilt.

Just make sure whoever changes the fluid does a complete flush and changes the filter (I'm assuming it has a filter). Just dropping the pan doesn't get the fluid out of the torque converter.