Skyagusta
New Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2009
- Messages
- 12
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Age
- 35
- Location
- Schofield Barracks, HI
- Vehicle Year
- 2000
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 3.0L V6
- Transmission
- Manual
Hey guys, I have a not-so-quick question for the group. Before I get started, I'll say that I have done numerous online searches, both here and elsewhere, and talked to every local mechanic I can find to try and find a solution to this issue, and I have recieved so much conflicting advice that I have finally decided to post it here. Thanks in advance for any help.
First off, for the last few thousand miles my Ranger (99 3L V6, auto trans, 124,xxx miles) has produced a fairly loud whining sound while in first gear only. I did some research on this, and what I found indicated that it was no big deal, so I put it out of my mind. About two weeks ago, while checking the fluid level, I noticed lots of bubbles (the fluid itself looked good and had no smell, by the way). This convinced me to change the fluid, since I wanted to try and fix these issues and I had no idea how long it had been since it was last changed.
So after draining the fluid, I put back the same amount that was drained. However, this did not bring the level up to even the very bottom of the dipstick. Also, the truck had a very hard time shifting into any gear at all, needing a long rev just to get it out of neutral. I figured I would add more fluid. This fixed the problem, however I needed to put in about 5 bottles (!) while I had only drained about 3. No idea where the other two bottles' worth of fluid went. Since then, the fluid level looked good and I have had no issues with the transmission.
Until this morning. About halfway to work, there was a loud thud underneath somewhere and suddenly the truck wouldn't shift out of first. I revved it to about 4500 rpms and it just wouldn't shift. I crawled the rest of the way to work at about 30 mph. Additionally, I heard sporadic loud grinding sounds from underneath, not sure where exactly. After parking, I checked the fluid level and it seems really high, and also the bubbles are back. Reverse also doesn't work.
Sorry about the long post, I just wanted to put in all the information I felt necessary. Any ideas as to what I can do to attempt to fix this?
Replace speed sensors? Try and drain some fluid? I have an appointment next week at a transmission place but would like to try and fix it myself before then if at all possible. Thanks again!
First off, for the last few thousand miles my Ranger (99 3L V6, auto trans, 124,xxx miles) has produced a fairly loud whining sound while in first gear only. I did some research on this, and what I found indicated that it was no big deal, so I put it out of my mind. About two weeks ago, while checking the fluid level, I noticed lots of bubbles (the fluid itself looked good and had no smell, by the way). This convinced me to change the fluid, since I wanted to try and fix these issues and I had no idea how long it had been since it was last changed.
So after draining the fluid, I put back the same amount that was drained. However, this did not bring the level up to even the very bottom of the dipstick. Also, the truck had a very hard time shifting into any gear at all, needing a long rev just to get it out of neutral. I figured I would add more fluid. This fixed the problem, however I needed to put in about 5 bottles (!) while I had only drained about 3. No idea where the other two bottles' worth of fluid went. Since then, the fluid level looked good and I have had no issues with the transmission.
Until this morning. About halfway to work, there was a loud thud underneath somewhere and suddenly the truck wouldn't shift out of first. I revved it to about 4500 rpms and it just wouldn't shift. I crawled the rest of the way to work at about 30 mph. Additionally, I heard sporadic loud grinding sounds from underneath, not sure where exactly. After parking, I checked the fluid level and it seems really high, and also the bubbles are back. Reverse also doesn't work.
Sorry about the long post, I just wanted to put in all the information I felt necessary. Any ideas as to what I can do to attempt to fix this?
Replace speed sensors? Try and drain some fluid? I have an appointment next week at a transmission place but would like to try and fix it myself before then if at all possible. Thanks again!