2002 Ford Ranger Automatic transmission slow to engage

BSMART

MEMBER
2002 FORD RANGER
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
108,000 MILES

When taking off for the first time after the vehicle has sat for some time, the transmission usually engages and vehicle drives normally, but if you stop for a moment for any reason, the transmission may not reengage for a few moments. If you wait and take you foot off the gas a moment, then try to reaccelerate the transmission will engage and move vehicle forward. No other actions taken, just remove foot from the accelerator, wait a moment, then press the gas again, and the transmission works. It seems to only do this after the vehicle has sat unused for a few hours. On some occasions it does this when you first want to take off.
The problem started about 6 months ago around 100k miles. It was happening rarely, but now seems to be getting more frequent. What do you think is wrong?

5 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

If you an check your trans fluid do so it may be low. Otherwise have a trans guy look at it as it may be a seal gone bad

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Wednesday, November 19th, 2014 AT 2:59 PM

BSMART

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3 POSTS

What is the proper way to check the fluid level on the 2002 Ford Ranger? I had a new transmission filter and fluid exchange done on this vehicle right at 100k miles. I haven't checked the fluid level since then. Thanks.

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Wednesday, November 19th, 2014 AT 9:14 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Pull the dipstick out with trans in park when hot. If fluid level is between add and full mark normally it has what looks like a bunch of x's on it then it's at proper level. If fluid color is dark brown or black go straight to a trans shop because there is something seriously wrong inside.

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Thursday, November 20th, 2014 AT 6:27 AM

BSMART

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3 POSTS

I checked the transmission fluid level as you described. The fluid level is at or slightly above the FULL mark. The fluid is almost clear, maybe a 'tinge' of yellow tint. I smelled it and there's very little smell to it.
What else can be checked? Are there any sensors on the transmission that may cause a problem? Thank you.

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Sunday, November 23rd, 2014 AT 6:13 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Fluid level is ok from what you say and best thing for sensors to be checked you need a scanner although I think there is an underlying problem so have a trans guy look at it.