Hey guys, got a question here. I just bought a 2001 Ranger 4X4 Auto. I was having the 1st gear no engine brake issue with it as well as the overdrive not engaging. I read all the posts here about the separator plate and valve body and this seemed like the likely cause. So I went and had the dealer (big mistake I know) install the parts to correct the problem including the new gasket. All parts associated with the 03-22-11 TSB. However, $500 later and now they say that I misdiagnosed the problem because the overdrive still does not work. But do have 1st gear braking. Now they want $4100 for a new trans of course. It threw no codes but somehow they determinded it has a burned 5th gear clutch. Any ideas?

 

Get a second opinion. No guarantee on this, but at first thought I think the OD is engaged by a band rather than a clutch. A clutch would lock up the input to the output straight through, while a band holding a planetary would give you a gear ratio change.
I would also think you could get a second estimate that would likely beat the price you quoted. Even getting a low mileage unit from a boneyard would be less.
If you are not a wrench head, then your costs will be more. If you can do wrenching, you can swap one yourself with some thought and preparation.
tom

 

Find a new dealer, contact the old one to get a refund for the incorrect diagnosis on the first repair. They should be responsible for any "misdiagnosis" that occured.

My response would be to continue to operate the truck without the overdrive. Push the button on the shift lever and only use the overdrive when you reach cruising speed on the highway.

 

It's always possible that your OD is not functioning because a "hard part" has broken. In that case, you could have pieces of metal moving around in the transmission which could cause further damage. It is also possible that your problem is simply a stuck valve or bad TSS sensor in the transmission, in which case no further harm would be done and you could drive it as suggested with the O/D button depressed.

There are others with much more experience in this area than myself. I just completed a rebuild and, due to my own lack of attention to detail, it took me three tries to get it right. However, my other 4 rebuilds went off without a hitch. The most important things are to have the ATSG book for your specific transmission and a very clean work area.

Also, as suggested, if you're not into doing this type of project, you can always find a lo-mileage unit at a junkyard where they will likely charge no more than $500. Just pulling the old one and replacing it with a new one would take you no more than 4-5 hours.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.