Truck stalls about 40% of the time

[Monty in Calgary]

Hi. I just bought a 2006 Ranger Sport, 3L, V6, 2WD. I'm having a HELL of a problem with it stalling when I come to stops, about 40% of the time. As I start getting almost to the stop, it's like the transmission wants to keep pushing the truck forward, not disengaging, instead of settling in at the normal idle. If I catch it in time, I can shift to Neutral and the idle will maintain as I stop, but as soon as I shift back into DRIVE, it'll still STALL. I've discovered that I CAN shift into REVERSE and it doesn't stall, but even after doing that, as soon as I go back to DRIVE, the revs drop, the truck shudders some, and stalls.

Every time this happens, I have to go to neutral or park, turn the ignition off, then re-start the truck, at which point I can go back into drive and carry on. (until the NEXT time) Turning OFF, then back ON, seems to "re-set" it, somehow.

This is becoming QUITE an issue. Really hoping someone, here, can have a really good feel for what's happening and maybe point me in the right direction for a fix. I'd be absolutely delighted to answer any questions anyone might have, if I can, that'll help.

 

[Dirtman]

Its the "Overdrive Off" light on or flashing? Or the Check engine light?

Sounds almost like the torque converter clutch is not disengaging.

 

[Roert42]

On top of what dirtman said, might be worth a try to change the transmission fluid and filter.

I know dirty trans fluid/filter will cause issue with hard shifting or not shifting at the correct time.

 

[Monty in Calgary]

Its the "Overdrive Off" light on or flashing? Or the Check engine light?

Sounds almost like the torque converter clutch is not disengaging.

I've tried with O/D both On and Off. Don't see a difference. Not flashing. Goes on and off only when I use it intentionally.

I have NO warning lights of any kind.

So, is it the Torque Converter Clutch that normally disengages the transmission at a stop in an automatic transmission?

 

[Monty in Calgary]

On top of what dirtman said, might be worth a try to change the transmission fluid and filter.

I know dirty trans fluid/filter will cause issue with hard shifting or not shifting at the correct time.

A Tranny Flush was in my future plans anyway. Perhaps doing it sooner than later might be advisable. Being retired and on fixed income, I'm certainly interested in trying the least expensive options 1st. Thanks.