Transmission problems on 2000 Ranger

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Jan 1, 2005 | 03:15 PM

eigenvector

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From: Seattle

Transmission problems on 2000 Ranger

When its cold outside, like below 50 (hey I live in Seattle okay!!), in the morning my truck doesn't seem to want to go into Drive.

Here's the scoop, I have a 2000 Ranger V6 automatic with 80,000 miles on it. The first thing in the morning, start the truck, let it warm up a bit, then back out of my parking space. Put it into Drive and it won't engage. Step on the gas and its like the truck is still in either park or neutral. I don't think its in neutral because the truck isn't rolling (thank God!), but it won't go into gear until the gas is goosed a little. I can feel it engaging, probably because the RPMS are up a bit from me goosing it, after it does finally go into gear it shifts like a slug until the truck overall has warmed up - then everythings fine.

What is going on here?

Jan 1, 2005 | 05:52 PM

Ken00

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From: South Jersey

When was the last time the tranny fluid was flushed? Whats the condition of the fluid? I would also suspect a bad valve body gasket.

Jan 1, 2005 | 06:04 PM

eigenvector

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From: Seattle

Tranny flush

The dealer serviced the transmission at 70,000 miles.

I'm not totally sure what exactly they did, but flushing the transmission was one of the things they did.

Jan 1, 2005 | 09:23 PM

eigenvector

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From: Seattle

Valve body gasket

So what is a valve body gasket?

Jan 1, 2005 | 11:22 PM

eigenvector

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From: Seattle

Valve body gasket

Okay, so I searched the forum, which I should have done the first time, however one of the threads mentioned that there was a TSB out for the valve body gaskets. Can anyone post this TSB, or tell me how to find it?

Jan 2, 2005 | 08:10 PM

wire4money

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From: Sunriver, Or

don't know the tsb, but have dealt with this issue. from what i understand, it is fairly common, and there is a revised gasket. i has it replaced in my 2000 a few months ago. when i dropped the pan, i saw a paper thin gasket falling apart around the solenoids. i had no drivability issues, so i ignored it. within a few thousand miles, i started noticing every now and then the truck would take a while to go into gear (and slam into gear with a big thunk) i had the gasket replaced for 399 and all has been fine.

Jan 2, 2005 | 09:07 PM

Ken00

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From: South Jersey

I couldn't find the TSB at alldata.com, if someone knows the number I'll try to get it posted.

The main control valve body and related components are part of the pressure side of the hydraulic system.
The main control valve body consists of the solenoids, the valve body assembly and the separator plate.
These components combine to convert electrical signals into hydraulic actions.
All valves in the main control assembly are anodized aluminum and cannot be sanded, filed, or dressed in any other way. Any damage to the valves that prevents or restricts their movement requires replacement of the entire main control valve body.