Car Guys: transmission problem?
 

I've got a 01 Ranger with 128k. Auto Trans.

In the past couple of weeks I have noticed that when slowing down that the trucks has a pretty bad 'jerk' when it down-shifts from 2nd to 1st. Otherwise it shifts fine... I am taking it in on Tuesday to have it checked out, but worry it could be a tran$mi$$ion issue.

Any ideas car gurus?

Have you changed the transmission fluid? Ever?

Me? No.

I've only had it for about 6 months. I couldn't tell you when it was last changed.

It will be a trans problem of some sort. Could be anything really, bad shift solenoid comes to mind, which can be expensive, but as far as trans problem goes, would be getting off lightly.

My advice is to drive that thing to Jefferson City and trade it in with me :D

JASONSAUTO?

I wonder if Ford ownership is enough to get a medical pot prescription

What color is the fluid when you pull the dipstick (red or brown) and does it smell burned?

I'll have to check....does low/bad tranny fluid cause crummy shifting?

Bad solenoid it sounds like.


$400-$600 to be replaced .

Low can cause issues for sure. Any leaks?

Just a cracked radiator

I'm telling you it's probably a bad solenoid. If you have low tranny fluid, it would shift crummy in multiple gears not just from 2nd to 1st. It's doesn't work like that. Your solenoid from 2nd to 1st is going out.

There is a good chance you're right. I would still check the fluid levels and the color/smell. I didn't mind working on engines but transmissions are a whole different beast.

Damnit

You should be happy with that, it could get much worse.

Of course, check your fluid first. That would be my first step into trying to figure out the issue.