no 4th Gear(overdrive)

[uga487]

Hello all, no to the forum here, have read a lot of posts and got some pretty smart folks here..... So
Whats your thoughts? I have a 1988 Ranger 2.9L V-6 automatic
Good clean running truck except one problem, it will not shift into 4th gear.
Shifts great into 2nd and 3rd and goes in smoothly to reverse, cruise controll works great and speedometer.
I have looked through the forums and see a lot about the VSS. Do you think that could be the problem? if so where is it located on this truck? on the rear of trans or the rear axle?
If you don't think this is the trouble whats your thoughts?
Thanks for any input

 

[sblake01]

It could also be the 3-4 shift solenoid as it was on my 1990 2.9.

 

[uga487]

It slowly stopped working, it would go in fine for a mile or 3 , then slip in and out then nothing the rest of the day, same thing the next day for about a week, then nothing at all, not even trying to go in to 4th.

 

[sblake01]

That's pretty much how mine acted when the solenoid went out.

 

[uga487]

Is it a solenoid or one of the 3 relays under the hood on the passenger side? Where abouts would it be located?

 

[uga487]

OK, I have a code 59 AXOD 4/3 circuit fault - Transmissions

What am I actually looking to fix, or how do you trouble shoot this?

 

[sblake01]

I don't know about the code but the 3-4 shift solenoid is located in the valve body on the passenger side of the trans. The trans has to be drained, pan pulled, and the valve body has to be removed in order to get to the solenoids. Tedious (and messy) but it can be done with moderate skills. After all, I did it.....