Hi, hope there is some good advice for my problem.
2003 ranger 4x4, 4.0 eng., auto, with O/D, 104,000miles, purchased used with 85,000

Since I purchased this truck my trans would hesitate 4-5 seconds before engaging to drive. Reverse worked fine.
Lately I need to pull shift lever into 1st, low gear and wait a 4-5 seconds to engage, once i start moving I can immediately shift to Drive and all works perfectly until I use Park, then need to start in 1st again.
Today I replaced the trans range sensor with Dorman 511-101 trans range sensor. As best I can tell I have the small tick lined up properly

I guess it was wishful thinking it could be so simple. Am I looking at a rebuild or new torque converter? (I am on the wife and kids budget.)
I checked fluid and level is a bit high but doesnt smell burnt. The truck runs great after you get it moving in low. If I stop for a red light or stop sign and stay in Drive the truck works perfectly pulling out again, the prob is only when you go to park then back to Drive.

I'm afraid I will be left stranded one day soon.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance
Jake

 

Make sure ATF is at proper level.
Sounds like a 5r55e Tranny ValveBody issue; either ValveBody gasket blown out or solenoids failing.
Read OBD2 TroubleCodes with an scanner that reads both SAE Standard & FordProprietary tranny codes.
I'd first try dropping Tranny pan, drain ATF, new filter & ATF.
I'd next try a ValveBody rebuild with new gasket & solenoids.
Hope this helps.

 

Thank you for your reply.
I have never dug into an automatic but I'm not scared if it saves me a bunch of $$$ that a trans shop would charge.
It seems odd to me that the trans functions perfectly once it engages.
Do you think a "remanufactured valve body" from ebay is a good idea, I see them listed for less than $150.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5R55E-4R44E...gAAOSwpeBdxGcR

Thank you very much, Jake

 

Update

Today I replaced the valve body. All issues remain the same.

Since I purchased this truck my trans would hesitate 4-5 seconds before engaging to drive. Reverse worked fine.
Lately I need to pull shift lever into 1st, low gear and wait a 4-5 seconds to engage, once i start moving I can immediately shift to Drive and all works perfectly until I use Park, then need to start in 1st again.

I have read to replace the trans range sensor you must do it while trans is in neutral, well it is not possible to get the timing marks lined up while in neutral and therefore my shift indictes 2nd while in drive and I cannot pull down into Low

So reman valve body, pan, gaskets and oil I am now doen another $200 and no change.

Can anyone shed some light on this problem. Is it possible for a trans shop to diagnose this without costing a fortune?

Thanks, Jake

 

I wish I knew.
Ask around for a trans shop other people like and tell 'em what you did. A local gas station garage which doesn't do transmissions could be a good place to ask.
Ask them if they have a code reader like DILARD000 described >one that reads standard and Ford Transmission codes.
I'm thinking your pump is OK since it goes into R fine. Also, you didn't crack the filter or leave an old O-ring in place (impeding it's ability to suck fluid) or it wouldn't go into R well
Did the rebuilt VB have a name?

 

I bought the VB from ebay seller "valvebodydepot" and they have 100% positive feedback rating.

https://www.ebay.com/ipp/11408014892...2047675.l48352

The dang thing moves perfectly once the trans engages

Regards, Jake

 

I am wondering if something internal having to do with shift range could be worn as I am unable to line up the small lines on the external switch. I'll try posting a pic