Hard shifting '99 3.0 ranger

[larboc]

The wife's 1999 3.0 auto ranger isn't shifting right. It has always had an issue where when you go to D from P when you first start out, it will take up to 3 seconds for it to actually engage, it acts like it's in neutral except the engine flares like it's expecting to be put into gear, then when the tranny finally catches up it was fine.

Now, it has started shifting hard and late, like tow/haul mode in a chevy. Obviously the ranger doesn't even have a tow haul mode, just the o/d off button and that's not the issue.

No codes, o/d off light doesn't flash, and it has good engine braking in 1st and 2nd gear. Engine runs really good (new plugs and wires last year) it's been getting 25+ mpg and runs wellish on e85.

Searching ranger and ford truck forums, there are thousands of posts of "use sea foam" and "replace spark plug wires" or "change the fluid" for a whole slew of similar problems so I'm hoping someone here has a recommendation. Any advice would be helpful, thanks!

 

[Noflers]

I've got the same truck, same problem. I'd like to hear some input also.

 

[Noflers]

Just noticed this was posted last June, maybe a double bump will do the trick

 

[Noflers]

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated

 

[klaymonster]

Holy mackerel. . Lets get an answer people.. add me to the queue i guess.

 

[willy]

Is there fluid in the trans going from park to drive engages the direct drive drum which requires pressure to engage no fluid equals slip or worn or burnt clutches as far as shifting hard my guess is that the trans is sliping and when it engages you feel the hit based on the post and judging the book by the cover a trip to the trans shop is needed for a rebuild

 

[Earl43P]

Here, start reading at this link:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=299995&highlight=delayed+shift

As you can see, I searched using "delayed shift".