hi i own a 91 4.0 4/4 130000 miles. great truck, today with no warning or symptoms it slipped out of gear at about 25 miles per hr downshifted to low then upshifted through the gears (automatic transmission )drove 40 highway miles stopped for a light same problem would not go . it has 1,2,and drive,as well as reverse, but will not operate in the normal drive/overdrive gear not good news what do you think is my problem . LOVE this truck transmission is usually big dollars truck is fourteen years old not capable of repairing myself what are your thoughts and or advise thanks. Al

 

My first bit of advice is to try punctuation. Take a deep breath. Now, what exactly did your truck do? Did it just start shifting at random on its own? Did it shift into all gears? Or did it not go?... I'm having trouble understanding the complexities of this situation. And did you say it operates just fine in first, second, and drive, as well as reverse, but not in OD? Please clarify!

 

Drop by a local "reputable" transmission shop with it and have them look at it. If he tells you the tranny is shot, get a second opinion. Could be something simple like a vacuum leak but may need a complete rebuild. They can tell you best as they will have it right there in front of them.. Someone else on here may have better advise but my comments above are consistent with what I would do in your situation. Once you have a better handle on the problem, you be in a better position to figure how best to move forward.

 

Dear D-ranged,
Sorry about the punctuation - frazzled and distraught will do that to you. This time will be better.
First things first, this is an automatic transmission.
The truck was running fine without slippage or other warnings. I was in motion and I went to accelerate on an inclined entrance ramp to the highway when it suddenly responded as if it were in neutral; in other words it started racing in gear and was no longer moving. I pulled to the side and put it in neutral, then put it in low gear and it started to move forward. Upshifted through second to drive, then to overdrive and it ran normal for 40 highway miles. I had to stop at the end of the exit ramp and it raced again and would not move forward. Again I put it in low and it went forward. Later, on another incline, the whole problem happened again, with same solution and same results. Any clue what I might be looking at? Oh, and one other thing....the truck is my delight and I have taken excellent care of it over the past 14 years. Thanks so much for any help/info you can give - I'm not mechanically inclined. Thanks so much for any help/info you can give - I'm not mechanically inclined.

 

Like I stated above, it may be something real simple like a broken vacuum line or a failed vacuum modulator. Tranny shop should be able to tell you but find a reputable one.

 

Did you check the fluid level and condition?

 

How long has it been since you've had the transmission serviced (fluid/filter)? If it has been an extended amount of time (like say 60,000+/-...just a round number), I would first and foremost take it in and have that done to see if that alleviates the symptoms. Most shops will do that for a reasonable price ($79 at the dealer here). If that fails to help, have a shop pull the codes to see if there are any error codes for internal related damage.

 

You have described a typical clogged filter! That is the way EXACTLY that they go away! Many transmissions have been sold because of this very description... Go to walmart in the morning and get it serviced!
Big Jim

 

Exactly why I suggested finding a reputable shop and getting a second opinion if they want to replace it.

Also

How long has it been since you've had the transmission serviced (fluid/filter)? If it has been an extended amount of time (like say 60,000+/-...just a round number), I would first and foremost take it in and have that done to see if that alleviates the symptoms. Most shops will do that for a reasonable price ($79 at the dealer here). If that fails to help, have a shop pull the codes to see if there are any error codes for internal related damage.
************************************************** ******** Not sure if there are going to be any codes on a 1991 Ranger. Anybody know for certain?

 

Thanks for the clarification... but I've got some bad news, alranger... I just talked to a buddy of mine who has dealt with a lot of old cars. (By dealt with, I mean dealt them their last hand...) He said that by the time it starts slipping out of gear, it's already too late for the fluid/filter replace to fix it. Keep in mind this is just one opinion, however...
I would say you're not going to want to give up on it so easily, and you might indeed get another 10K miles or more out of it. I agree with everyone that you should check/change the fluid/filter. If you can find a reputable shop that offers free estimates, it might just be time to take your truck in and see what they say about it. And always, ALWAYS get another opinion, especially on your transmission, since at the age your truck has reached it might not even be worth it to replace... possibly time to upgrade to an F150? Oh, and as far as where to take it... I wouldn't go to Wal-mart... they could barely handle mounting and balancing two new tires for me... I even had the tires right in the back for them!!! Around here there's a Christian radio station that has a transmission shop that advertises with them... they have special offers for listeners of the station and it's got a reputation for being a good place. You might look up the better business bureau for info on any tranny places in your area (www.bbb.org) also. Good luck, man, and if I find out anything else about your symptoms I'll let you know!

 

Okay, some better news... I talked to another buddy of mine and he said you should check the fluid, and if it's sparkly, your tranny is shot. He said you should grab a new tranny out of a junkyard to put in it, which I'd generally agree with. And it won't cost more than your truck is worth, either. At least, it shouldn't.