Hi all,

I have a 2003 Ranger 3.0 v6 automatic that has been having some issues with shifting lately. The vehicle has 129000 miles on it, and has started experiencing grinding when shifting gears (generally near 45/50mph and 70-80) it doesn't happen all the time, but maybe once or twice on an hour long drive, but it is consistent. Generally, if i just let off the gas, the grinding will stop, and the vehicle will be fine, I can then accelerate again without any real issues, however, if I continue to let the grinding go on, it can essentially "make it through" the grind and shift properly, or otherwise "fail" causing the O/D off light to start flashing. When this light starts flashing, the vehicle will basically send a small to large jolt through the vehicle at very low speeds (5-10mph) as I am accelerating from a stop. If i turn the truck off and back on, this condition goes away, and the truck is fine again until this cycle happens again.

I obviously have to get it taken in and looked at, but have not had the time yet, and was wondering if I could get some insight from anyone who may also have had this problem in the past to see where i stand cost-wise for a repair, or if it looks like the trans is probably going to be toast soon. Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to FTE.
I see you don't have any replies yet, so I'll see if I can get things started.
Lots of unknowns, like where is the vehicle on All of its past & present due Specified Scheduled Maintenance call outs for fluids & filters, especially the tranny fluid & filter service???
Have you checked the tranny fluid level & condition lately???? Any signs of metal "sparkles" in the fluid on the dipstick?

All that said, use, borrow, or come by a ELM scan tool & running FORScan diagnostic software on the viewing device of your choice (because this inexpensive but powerful combo can query all of the vehicle computer controllers) & have it scan for & post up All trouble code clue Numbers, as they can help focus a trouble shoot. Don't put things off any longer, those are ominous sounds & behavior, so aren't likely to go away without leaving more serious problems behind.
Some beginning trouble shooting thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find.

 

When the OD OFF light flashed codes were stored to tell what's wrong. Those codes stay in memory for about a month after the last time the light flashed. Without the codes you will not be able to fix this.