V6 Auto Forward Gear Issue

TXxlt · Nov 19, 2014

Just recently a new issue has developed. It often takes 2-3 attempts of moving the shift lever into D back to N and back to D in order to get forward gears.

I am fairly certain that it is not the transmission itself. I serviced it when I got the truck. The fluid looked alright then. The truck also drives great.

I am worried that I will be stuck somewhere with no forward movement. There does not seem to be an issue with reverse.

I have examined the shift cable and checked the torx bolts under the dash that are a common issue.

My thought is that it is the the MLPS or neutral saftey switch.

Is this the most likely issue, or am I overlooking something?

TXxlt · Nov 19, 2014

I am considering buying this BWD one from Oreilly's.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/BWD0/S26083/02035.oap?year=2002&make=Ford&model=Ranger&vi=5016422&ck=Search_neutral+safety+switch_5016422_4440&keyword=neutral+safety+switch

TXxlt · Nov 19, 2014

I'll hook the code reader up to it today and see if any are present.

TXxlt · Nov 19, 2014

I've been doing some more reading. Is the switch on the side of the transmission functioning as not only the neutral safety switch / NSS, but also as the TR or transmission range sensor and the manual lever position sensor?

jeremysdad · Nov 19, 2014

Could this be a shifter bushing issue? Is it still a manual linkage in the truck at some point? They sell those bushings at O'Reilly for like 6 bucks.

I have no clue, I just bypassed the NSS in my Pinto...but I was in the market for linkage bushings to fix my clutch when I bought this truck a month ago.

Sounds like a worn bushing, with the linkage playing you've had to do to get it to start.

jeremysdad · Nov 19, 2014

They are nylon.

Worth a look.

TXxlt · Nov 20, 2014

I went ahead and replace the neutral safety switch with the BWD one from Oriellys. It is also the transmission range sensor. They are all incorporated into one module.

So far it seems to work better, but its difficult to say so soon.

I saw a video about the bushings in the shift linkage / tube in the steering column. I don't think that's the problem, but will keep it in mind. Thanks for the tip.

Patriot1776 · Nov 24, 2014

I've been having a similar issue with my 92 ranger auto Trans 4x4. I'm glad to have found this thread. I wasn't aware of issues with the linkages or bushings but will have to check those out this weekend. My truck is a little slow to shift into and out of gear when not moving. It never seems to have an issue once I get going. I was assuming it was the Trans slipping and was preparing for a rebuild in the late winter. Would this also play havoc on the transfer case shifting into 4x4 mode?

TXxlt · Dec 18, 2014

Everything was fine for a while, but yesterday the issue returned. It was worse this time. Not only was it difficult to get forward gears to engage, but the same was true of reverse. What are the possible causes of this?

TXxlt · Dec 19, 2014

I have been reading more about the common valve body gasket failures, I'm beginning to wonder if that is what I need to replace. I read somewhere that there is an improved gasket. Does anyone know where I can find that?

Dune Runner · Dec 20, 2014

Ford dealer should stock it. It's a known problem.

kimcrwbr1 · Dec 20, 2014

How old is the filter. If you dont know the first thing would be to put in a new filter and tranny fluid. If the oil is a little low it takesa a few minutes to warm up enough to expand to bring the volume up. Sounds like a slow leak to me. Put half a quart of tranny fluid in and see if it improves.

TXxlt · Dec 20, 2014

If I go to the Ford dealer for that gasket, how do I know if I am getting the improved one?

The filter is a Wix and is only about 6 months old.

I was thinking that maybe the fluid was low. I did check it before and it was fine though.

V6 Auto Forward Gear Issue

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