Hard/Rough Shifting Issue :(

[RavenRanger01]

So I am having an issue where my 4.0L V6 5sp doesn't seem to want to shift into 1st with ease. The actual shifter itself (once it is in gear it is in gear)

For instance, if I stop at a red light and put the car into neutral and let off the clutch (keeping the brake engaged), then when the light turns green and I have to put it in gear I have to work the shifter into 1st about 4 times before it actually goes into the 1st position fully. I can hear what sounds like it wanting to engag the rear differential and it kind of pulls forward a smidge everytime I try to push the shifer up into first. It seems to go into 1st better if I roll forward a bit, too. The whole process is clunky, I wonder if it needs to be bled or when I had the clutch replaced they forgot to do something? I really need an answer on this ASAP because I'd like to get this fixed before any major issues occur. It is very frustrating. I have the same issue with it not wanting to go into Reverse easily. It same thing with 1st to 2nd and it gets progressively better as I go up in gear except 5th is a bit crunchy.

Feel free to ask for more clarification and specifics because I'd like to get some direction. Plus, since the shop did the work and it is under warranty I want to make sure if this is something which might be covered under said warranty.

Thanks!

 

[sgtsandman]

How many miles are on the clutch? Is it the original clutch?

I had similar issues with my Honda CR-V. Changing the clutch fixed the issue. The clutch was pretty much worn out.

 

[RavenRanger01]

I had the clutch replaced in January. partially why this is such a concern to me is that I'm having an issue after they had changed the clutch. my worry is that it's not fully releasing and it's just been getting worn out.

 

[91 blue ranger]

Did you get your truck working? If not maybe you have air in the clutch line and you need to bleed the system.
My dads ranger some times has trouble getting into gear, but in a few days it goes away.

 

[RavenRanger01]

I'm trying to figure out how to bleed the system. I'm not sure I want to mess with it too much because I've never had to do it before. plus I don't know if it is a two person job or not... I've seen a video where a guy bench bleeds the clutch.

Any recommendations or reference material you suggest?

 

[RobbieD]

Have you checked the fluid in the clutch reservoir?

You paid for a clutch replacement, it's not working right, and you're still under warranty for the clutch job. I think that I would first have the shop that did the clutch test drive it, and see what they have to say.

Was the slave cylinder also replaced as part of the clutch job? It usually is, since it lives in the bellhousing, as "preemptive maintenance". Same with the pilot bearing.

Bleeding the clutch would be a logical first step in trying to correct the issue. Hopefully the shop that did the installation is willing to do that under warranty, and are aware of how to properly bleed a Ranger hydraulic clutch. Good luck!