2000 auto 4.0 problems

[redstangs9308gt]

I have a 2000 ranger 4.0 with an auto. I know nothing about transmissions or up keep. I just got the truck and it has some issues 133000 miles on it. The shifter lever seems weak, the indicater is a little off and is hard to work. Also as I am driving down the road taking it easy the truck will sometimes surge like it is searching for a gear and when I want to pass it wont always kick down like the computer doesn't know what I am wanting it to do. I think I have a computer problem. The tranny doesn't slip, but when I put the truck in park on a hill it will go click click click and it will roll. So I use the park brake. Also the truck will go into 4x4 but not 4x4 low. If anyone can start me in the right direction with my problems I will really be happy. I have to fix this truck as winter is comning and my wife need a 4x4 to get across these WV mountains.
Thanks
Nick

 

[jranger86]

seems like you have a few different problems, I would get it into a good tranny shop, stay away from the dealership or STEALERship like the guys on here call it. I know its expensive but transmissions are very complicated and unless you have a shop with all the bells and whistles, you cant really work on them yourslef, especially an automatic, id take it in and get it rebuilt. jsut shop around for prices first !

 

[Bruce]

If the shifter is hard to move i would suspect a bad shifter cable and its not selecting the proper gear its like getting in between OD and drive lets say..if ya continue to drive it that way it will burn it up.

To get 4 low you have to be in neutral with foot on the brake pedal.

just my 1/2 cents worth

 

[RangerSVT]

Sounds like the shift cable is out of adjustment...First, make sure the cable is in the bracket completely. Mine kept slipping out. The adjustment is on side of the trans next to the pan, where it connects to the trans. I say this cause if your hearing a clicking and rolling in park, the park lock is not fully engaged. Set your brake, pull the clip out of the cable adjuster, and with the lever in park, pull the trans lever all the way in the park position, then install the lock clip. See how this works, its something simple you can do and doesn't cost anything
SVT

 

[redstangs9308gt]

I thought it might have something to do with my shifter. Do you think maybe were my shifter is out of adjustment, thats the reason why my 4x4 low isn't going in? 4x4 high works fine.

 

[RangerSVT]

Small to moderate possibility...Hi range is shift on the fly, meaning you don't need to be stopped or in neutral. You need to be completely stopped, foot constantly on brake pedal, and in neutral, to shift to low range. If your in neutral but linkage is not correctly adjusted, the computer might not "see" your in neutral, cable misadjustment is also sensor misalignment, causing up and downshifting problems, Tcase shift problems, and even power problems...
SVT

 

[redstangs9308gt]

Ranger SVT. You are right; the shifter on the column is out of sync with the sensors, and the linkage going down to the transmission. After getting bored and playing around in my driveway I found out that when I was in neutral if I put a little pressure on the shifter pulling it just a little shy of OD that it would go in and out of 4x4 low perfect every time. Also found out that the shifter pointer falls on P,R,N just fine, but there is a place that shouldn't be there. There is a space between N and OD that the shifter falls into. Then the shifter pointer falls into OD, 2nd and it’s also a little shy of 1st. What can I do to solve this problem? I know for a fact that the shifter and the cable and the linkage are all out of sync with the transmission and sensors. I looked at the clip you were talking about but I couldn't get it to solve my problem. If you could walk me step by step of what I need to replace or whatever I really would appreciate it.

 

[redstangs9308gt]

I just got done pulling all the plastic off around the shifter column I also took loose the speedo. I have no clue what I am looking for to adjust or inspect. I did notice that there is a plastic wheel that adjusts the postion of the pointer. Also noticed apon furter inspection that P,R,N are very tight and click into place with no play. In between N and OD it starts getting very loose with alot of shifter play and no clicking noise just falling into place.
I know this is alot of information here but this is the very best I can describe my problem to you folks.
Thanks for any help.

 

[RangerSVT]

Sorry, haven't been on here in a couple of days...Your shift sensor is mounted on the side of your trans where your shifter cable connects to your trans, when you trans shift lever moves, the sensor detects it. You have to readjust the cable at the mounting bracket mounted to the trans. There is a plastic C-clip that is on the cable adjustment near the bracket, remove this C-clip, this will allow the cable to move back and forth inside the plastic mount. You will see what I am talking about once you put your hands on it. With your E-brake set, put your truck in first gear, then take the shift lever on your trans and move it all the way to first gear position. With the lever all the way in first position, re-install the C-clip into the adjustment mount, locking the cable into place. This is designed to fine tune the shift mechanism...
Your indicator in the dash (PRND21) is connected via cable to your shifter in your column, you have an adjustment to fine tune where the pointer is in its range of motion, which you have found, but this does not affect shifting or the sensor in any way, it just displays what gear you are in. Try this and see if it works...
SVT