2004 2.3L Auto Ranger XL trans issues

[subydrift]

So I've got some issues happening with my trans and I'm hoping some of you guys can help me out on what it might be. I've driven manuals my whole life and this is my first auto (that's had problems anyway). The truck is an 04' Ranger XL, 2.3L Duratec, Auto trans, 162k miles.

Problem 1: Occasionally when I put the truck in reverse it sits there and just idles for a few seconds before kicking into reverse. Like there is some kind of delay and if I hit the gas (assuming it was in reverse already) it kinda shifts hard into reverse (clunk/jerk). Any ideas? Common issue?

Problem 2: When I'm driving up a slight hill and the truck is in third gear (with OD off for town cruising) when I get to the top and flatten out the truck doesn't shift down sometimes and I'll back my foot off the gas to get it to shift down and often times I'll have to completely take my foot off the gas and let it coast until it finally down shifts...? Any ideas?

Problem 3: If I'm cruising on the freeway (say 65 mph) in OD and I slightly depress the gas pedal (to speed up or for a hill) when the trans downshifts there is a pretty big vibration coming from the trans while its making that gear change and it is heard/felt through out the whole cab. Loose bands maybe? VB?

Like I said I'm a newb when it comes to automatic transmissions so any help is appreciated. I'm going to take it into a transmission shop for their free trans test/diagnostic this weekend but before they try and sell me on some bogus repair I want to hear what you guys think about it.

Thanks again!

 

[wv_snranger]

I also have an '04 2.3 ranger with similar problems. I don't have much problem with reverse hesitation.

Problem 1: Accelerating up hill maybe on an interstate ramp, going from 3rd to 4th gear there's a big slip, a very brief engine rev, then a kick in the pants when she gets into 4th / OD.

Problem 2: Normal driving between 2nd and 3rd both up shift or down shift there is a small slip between the gears, but not really noticeable.

Problem 3: Hangs in 2nd under hard acceleration (like a steep hill) too long, have to take foot off gas at top of hill to make it drop into 3rd.

Problem 4: On occasion, there is a little shuttering between 1st and 2nd. Not often, but it happens.

If I floor it from a stop, the tranny will kick me in the seat of my pants between every gear.

Thing is, my ranger has been doing this for probably 3-4 years, tranny fluid never smelled burnt until this week. Time to get rid of it I think, between a $2300 transmission and $1000 valve work needed, not worth it for a 2wd in snow country that is also too small for my needs now.

2004 Ranger 2.3l Duratec
99,000 miles
Slipping Transmission
Burns Oil

Pondering the question if a flush would help any or buy some time?