Slipping Transmission?

[powellb6]

Hey all,

First post and looking to get some help/advice from y'all. Pardon me if I don't put the correct info outright.

Problem: I have a 1999 Ford Ranger 4x4 V6 3.0L (automatic) with 146k miles that "slips" or stutters in all of the gears i.e. it doesn't happen during shifting but primarily during an acceleration in first and second gear and even recently at 70+ mph. Typically, it's not as bad when the engine is cold and gets worse when the engine gets hot. Additionally, when I was getting off the freeway yesterday, I was braking to a stop and the engine stalled out on me. This just happened again tonight when I was pulling into a parking spot: the engine, in gear, dropped to really low rpms and almost stalled. It idles fine when in park so I was wondering if it was some sort of transmission or transfer case issue? Could it be the fuel filter?

Before the problem started, I had changed the spark plugs and wires, replaced the thermostat, changed the rear differential fluid, and cleaned the IAC (the most recent tinkering project). I have been using some fuel injection cleaner additive in my gas fill-ups (about one bottle per 3-4 fill-ups).

After the problem started, I changed the transmisson filter/fluid which did not help.

My level of experience: I've been tinkering with the ol' girl recently and have gotten a little experience but I'm an amateur at best. Any help would be appreciated to start on the right path to fixing this thing. My first thought was to try changing the fuel filter, namely because it's inexpensive, but it didn't make sense to me that if it idles fine that it would be a fuel filter issue... Again I could be mistaken.

Anyways, love the site and would love any advice you guys may have. Thanks!

 

[McCormack]

Just throwing out ideas, and I don't if this will apply to your 4x4, but I had transmission problems with my '00 3.0 2wd automatic and the cause turned out to be the VSS in the rear differential. The VSS is cheap enough and easy enough to replace, so it's something to consider.

 

[HAPPY+RANGER+GUY]

Sounds like you're having some engine related issues...I would look that direction first...maybe see what the fuel pressure is doing and go ahead and change the fuel filter if it's due anyhow. Are you getting a check engine light at all? Any trouble codes present in computer?

Any abnormal smoking in the exhaust?

 

[powellb6]

Sounds like you're having some engine related issues...I would look that direction first...maybe see what the fuel pressure is doing and go ahead and change the fuel filter if it's due anyhow. Are you getting a check engine light at all? Any trouble codes present in computer?

Any abnormal smoking in the exhaust?

Thank you for the quick response!

When the truck actually stalled, I got it started again and the check engine light was on. That was the first time it had come on through all of the symptoms. I haven't yet taken it in to get any trouble codes, but I'm going to take it in today. I haven't seen any abnormal smoke in the exhaust.