Transmission Issue
 

I have a 2001 Ranger 4x4, 4.0 automatic and the tranmission has been acting up a little. These are the issues. The transmission puases and then shifts rather hard (not smoothly) into 4th and 5th gear. When accelerating, the RPM's will stop rising for a couple of seconds in 3rd gear at 3500 RPM. Aside from that, it just does not shift like it should. The timing is somewhat abnormal. It will stay in 4th gear for an abnormally long time before going into O/D, especially when cold. I'm really hoping not to be in the market for a new transmisison. I'll probably bring it to the garage this week to get checked and I'd prefer not to get a screw job. So I'd greatly appreciate any info. Thanks.

Do a search for TSB's on this tranny. The two things I've seen on earlier 5spd OD autos are a failed valve body gasket (a piece of it blows out) and valve body issues (sticking components/servos). For good measure, I would also check for any stored codes, even if the CEL is not on. I'm not sure on the extent, but much of that tranny operation is controlled by the ECM, thus the need to check for stored codes.

It's programed not to go into OD when cold, faster warm up.

Put a vacuum guage in the system to see what you have. It sure sounds like maybe a cracked, disconnected or unplugged hose. I have had real good luck with "Sea Foam" which is an additive. Before you pull the tranny, try a can of that. Now for the stupid questions. Is the fluid level proper? How does the fluid look? Have you ever changed the fluid and filter? Sometimes just a good flushing and fluid change will fix those problems.