2000 auto trans

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Oct 9, 2003 | 11:38 PM

ORGreaseball

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2000 auto trans

Hi all. Havent been around for a couple years. Just bought a 2000 ranger supercab 4x with 4.0 and auto. First of all, is this really a 5 speed auto? It sure seems to shift alot. It also acts like it "spools up" before moving forward off idle. I have driven a few of the new f350 powerstrokes with autos and they kinda feel the same way. The truck feels like it needs to build a little power before it wants to move. I thougt maybe it was a lock up problem or something. Any help in this would be great. Did I get a problem child or is this normal. Also is there any performance tips? It is no powerhouse. 84k on the odom. Im the second owner. I dont think the previous owner did much. It is mint visually. Once you get her on the road and cruising shes fine. Gets a bit slow on the grades though. What do you think?

Oct 10, 2003 | 06:01 AM

droptop

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Here are the specs for the 2000 Ranger. The 5 sp. Auto was an option.

2000 Ranger Specs (FTE)

The newer 5 sp. Autos have what they call "adaptive shift" technology. Basically, it learns the way you drive and programs itself to shift based on your driving habits. I'm not sure if your model year featured this, but you can disconnect the battery (like clearing codes) and try to reset it to learn your driving style. Also, the 4.0 L. that year was the 160 h.p. version.

I'm not sure what you mean by "spools up", but the tranny may be in need of a routine service: drain-refill, or full flush.
Hope this gives you some ideas.

Oct 10, 2003 | 11:23 AM

ORGreaseball

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Thanks.. I will call the dealership today to find out if my truck got that trans. The spools up is for lack of a better term. Basicly the engine increases about 500 rpm above idle before it moves forward. When it starts to up shift it just feels funny. Almost like it goes into a higher gear than back down then up 1 or 2 gears then repeats this untill it gets to high gear. I dont have but a couple hours driving time in the thing so I will take it out today and really pay attention to what its doing. Bottom line is its different from any aut I ever drove before. Ill post the findings.

Oct 10, 2003 | 11:50 AM

wolfen

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From: Connecticut

Hi ORGreaseball;

Quote:

It also acts like it "spools up" before moving forward off idle.

_
The term that you are looking for is called "Hunting"! Just tring to be helpful. I'm still learning myself!
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The Brain Is Always On The Move

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My Beastie:

90 Ranger 2.3L EFI 2wd Mazda < with many new parts!

Last edited by wolfen; Oct 10, 2003 at 11:53 AM.

Oct 10, 2003 | 04:10 PM

WXboy

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That feeling is because the 5-speed is really a 4-speed. It manipulates the gearing to create an extra "gear" between 1st and 2nd. It's totally normal. These are good transmissions...at least the pre-'01 models are. I hate this "adaptive shift technology".

Oct 11, 2003 | 10:13 AM

ORGreaseball

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OK.. Took it back to the dealer. 1st of all - it takes Mercon V trans fluid. At some point in its history it has had other than that added to it. The flused it and replced the filter and it seems much better. They did not recomend the reset of the computer. They said drive it a while first. I was told it could take a couple hundred miles before the computer gets happy again. I am taking a trip to Southern California so I dont want problems or irratic behavior on the hiway. 2nd. As for the power. I should have looked harder. It is a 3.0. I was told by the salesman ( who is a newbie) that it has the "big V6" so I asumed 4.0. I am kinda bumed. The truck is beautiful. It is great to drive. I finally found its happy power spot. At 4500 rpm. Thats a little scarry. So I am looking to improve power. So far I found the add for "Super Chips" at about 250 bucks and the air filter and hose unit for about 90. Do these things work and is it worth the improvements?

Oct 11, 2003 | 02:47 PM

droptop

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If you're sure that it is a 3.0, then according to the "overview" spec sheet you don't have the 5 sp. auto. The 5 sp. auto was only an option on the 4.0. Mercon V is the correct fluid for most Ford transmissions.

If you go the "Super Chips" route, you'll have to use premium gas to get the performance boost. The "air filter and hose unit" (i assume you're talking about a K&N sort of set up) should help. Just don't over oil the filter or you'll get oil contamination on the MAF wires.

Have you given any though to a cat-back exhaust system? Flowmaster or Gibson? You could also consider an under drive pully. I'm sure that some others will step up to the plate with some good advice for you. Here's another link that you can visit to get some ideas.

Ranger Bill's Website