i've noticed over the past couple of weeks when shifting automatic transmission into reverse when cold it won't engage until the gas is applied. it then shifts fine and doesn't do it again immediately. i've had the truck for a couple of months and it's done it maybe 3 times. truck has 58,000 miles on it. no idea if fluid has ever been changed, i plan on changing it soon. is this a common problem with rangers or do i have need to worry?

 

YOu say it does it when it's cold so I take it that it's been sitting probably overnight. Fluid drains out of the torque converter overnight and doesn't get pumped back in until the vehicle is put into gear; stepping on the gas increases the rate of flow, converter fills up and then you go.

 

yes its only happened either overnite or sitting at work all day. it seems like it hits pretty hard when it does engage after applying the gas. is this common, should i have it looked at or is it just something they all do now and then?

 

I had this problem on my 96 B4000. I had 181K on it, so I didn't worry too much. I knew I was going to trade it in soon.
I looked many times for this try of thread, didn't find much, but the closest I got was pointing to the torque converter
I wussed out and bought a 2004 Edge!

 

Did you check the fluid level. Are there any leaks. I would have a reputable transmission shop do the fluid/filter replacement and tell them about your problem. It may be something quite minor, especially with so few miles on the truck. Good Luck.

 

It's pretty minor; I wouldn't worry about it except to make sure your fluids are indeed at the proper level. Maybe wait till you feel the tranny engage before stepping on the gas, it should only take a few extra seconds.