5r44e in 2003 Ranger 2wd 2.3L transmission mystery

[Goldenboy]

Hi, I'm looking to solve the mystery of why my transmission seems ok if I shift it like a manual but won't shift automatically all the time. It seems to do best when the OD selector on the end of the gear shifter is illuminated on dash. If I'm patient and "help" the transmission by letting up on the accelerator, it works fine. but i don't believe many other drivers would get it down the road. This transmission and torque converter were rebuilt only 10k miles ago. I'm thinking that the solenoids need replacing. Am I thinking correctly? Thanks!

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Moving this to the appropriate section…

Sounds like something is wrong though. Does it act like it’s slipping? Or does it just hang and refuse to shift?

 

[Goldenboy]

It slips if you aren’t over 45-50 mph when you let the switch activate the OD. Or if you start off in drive- there’s nothing there… (no transmission engaging) push the od button “off” and start in 1 or 2, and you’re good to go