Ranger trans. problems
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Ranger trans. problems
Hi guys.
My fiance has a 97 Ranger with 120K miles, the 4cyl, auto, and 2wd. Recently we have had problems with the transmission hunting between 3rd and OD. If I'm driving in OD and need to give it a little gas to accelerate, it will seem to drop down to third and then rev high while not accelerating. If I let off the gas it will drop back into OD and then hunt between 3rd and OD again. If just cruising in OD, sometimes it will just go back and forth between 3rd and OD for no reason. Sometimes the check engine light will come on after doing this.
I checked the trans fluid and it is full, red, and doesn't smell burnt. I tried hitting the button to turn OD off, and the problem stops as it will just stay in 3rd gear.
Any ideas on what this may be?
Thanks.
My fiance has a 97 Ranger with 120K miles, the 4cyl, auto, and 2wd. Recently we have had problems with the transmission hunting between 3rd and OD. If I'm driving in OD and need to give it a little gas to accelerate, it will seem to drop down to third and then rev high while not accelerating. If I let off the gas it will drop back into OD and then hunt between 3rd and OD again. If just cruising in OD, sometimes it will just go back and forth between 3rd and OD for no reason. Sometimes the check engine light will come on after doing this.
I checked the trans fluid and it is full, red, and doesn't smell burnt. I tried hitting the button to turn OD off, and the problem stops as it will just stay in 3rd gear.
Any ideas on what this may be?
Thanks.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
I agree, consider a faulty TPS. The computer uses a variety of sensor inputs to determine the shift patterns, including the TPS. If you have more than approximately 60% throttle, the computer will strongly consider downshifting. If your TPS is faulty, it may think you are putting on more throttle than you really are. Poor engine performance can also cause erratic shift patterns. I would also check to see if your computer has any codes stored in memory. If it does, they may be the answer to your question.
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I have seen performance problems like this caused by a lack of fuel delivery due to a restricted fuel filter. Don't know if you have had that changed recently, it might be a cheap and easy fix. kotzy
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It seems the engine runs really strong. (for being the 2.3L) and gets decent MPG considering the mileage (low 20's). I need to get it diagnosed to see what code it's throwing.
Besides going to a dealer and paying $60 just to get it hooked up to a machine, do you guys know if any of the auto parts stores will hook up and diagnose for free? I just wondered because I know they sell O2 sensors etc., and may have this capability, and I know they will diagnose bad batteries.
Besides going to a dealer and paying $60 just to get it hooked up to a machine, do you guys know if any of the auto parts stores will hook up and diagnose for free? I just wondered because I know they sell O2 sensors etc., and may have this capability, and I know they will diagnose bad batteries.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
Originally Posted by Fireinthewhole
It seems the engine runs really strong. (for being the 2.3L) and gets decent MPG considering the mileage (low 20's). I need to get it diagnosed to see what code it's throwing.
Besides going to a dealer and paying $60 just to get it hooked up to a machine, do you guys know if any of the auto parts stores will hook up and diagnose for free? I just wondered because I know they sell O2 sensors etc., and may have this capability, and I know they will diagnose bad batteries.
Besides going to a dealer and paying $60 just to get it hooked up to a machine, do you guys know if any of the auto parts stores will hook up and diagnose for free? I just wondered because I know they sell O2 sensors etc., and may have this capability, and I know they will diagnose bad batteries.
Seeing as how yours is OBD-2, you'll need a scantool, or code reader to pull the codes. So have that done & post ALL the code numbers here.
If you get a code for the TPS, then you could test it's resistance range with a ohm meter as Pablo sugested & look for unsteady readings as the throttle is slowly opened. DVOM = Digital Volt Ohm Meter.
You can buy these for less than $10 at Harbor Freght & they are good enough for most vehicle, boat & around the house use.