1991 Ford Ranger XLT Automatic Transmission Fluid HELP!

[Superbanki87]

Dark red

 

[monsterchuck]

How does it smell? Does it make you almost jerk your head back when you smell it? Or does it smell burnt? If not, then I'd try what adsm08 said and check the vacuum modulator. Those are easy enough to change.
Another thing, if you don't want to climb under the truck just yet, is to shut the engine OFF, and pull the trans dipstick. Make a mental note of EXACTLY where the fluid level is. Then start the truck, wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert it, and pull it back out. The fluid level should be somewhere between 1/2 to 1 inch lower. If it's in exactly the same spot as it was when the truck wasn't running, just take it to the trans shop, because the trans is coming out for that one.

 

[rangerjr]

sounds like the front pump in trans is gone

 

[Superbanki87]

How does it smell? Does it make you almost jerk your head back when you smell it? Or does it smell burnt? If not, then I'd try what adsm08 said and check the vacuum modulator. Those are easy enough to change.
Another thing, if you don't want to climb under the truck just yet, is to shut the engine OFF, and pull the trans dipstick. Make a mental note of EXACTLY where the fluid level is. Then start the truck, wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert it, and pull it back out. The fluid level should be somewhere between 1/2 to 1 inch lower. If it's in exactly the same spot as it was when the truck wasn't running, just take it to the trans shop, because the trans is coming out for that one.

Damn, I did this, and it was the exact same spot, even tried it again a second time an hour later. Out of curiosity, why does this mean the trans is done?