The Ford Ranger was equipped with the 5R55E, 5R44E or 4R44E transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Ford Ranger transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Ford Ranger Transmission Models
Ford Ranger: 5R55E / 5R44E / 4R44E Transmission
Ford Ranger Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement 5R55E / 5R44E / 4R44E Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 5R55S/N/W/E | 2203 |
What are the DTC codes related to Ford Ranger transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0745 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' |
| P0775 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' |
| P0795 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' |
| P0797 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Stuck On |
| P0798 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Electrical |
Ford Ranger Transmission Recalls
None Found
Ford Ranger Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 02-08-03 – Transmission fluid leak at servo cover
2001 – 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac – 2001 – 2002 Ford Explorer Sport – 2001 – 2002 Ford Ranger
Problem – On vehicles equipped with the 2.3L, 3.0L or 4.0L engine with the 5R55E transmission, operating in cold climates may cause a transmission fluid leak at the servo cover.
Solution – Install updated servo cover(s).
TSB 02-13-8 – Low line pressure at wide open throttle (WOT), slipping and or delayed gear engagement
1995 – 2001 Ford Explorer – 1999 – 2002 Ford Explorer Sport – 2001 – 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac – 1995 – 2002 Ford Ranger – 1997 – 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
Problem – Vehicles built prior to 12/1/2001 may experience a number of transmission problems including; no 2nd gear, no 3rd gear, no engine braking when in manual 1st, slipping and/or delayed gear engagements, DTC’s P0732, P0733 and/or P1762
Solution – Modify or install updated valve body
Common Problems with the Ford Ranger Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Ford Ranger can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Ford Ranger transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Ford Ranger transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Ford Ranger transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Ford Ranger transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Ford Ranger transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Ford Ranger transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Ford Ranger transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Ford Ranger transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Ford Ranger transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Ford Ranger Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Ford Ranger Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Ford Ranger Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Ford Ranger Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Ford Ranger Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
I have a 2002 Ford Ranger with 280,000 miles on it. I have used it as a work truck for my painting business since 2015. It has a 3.0l v6 automatic that I think is a 5R44E? 1FTYR10U12PB39257 VIN. Symptoms are reverse gear hardly moves the truck. Nothing but 1st gear moves the truck forwards. Manually shifting it may go into 2nd gear. I did a scan for DTC’s and there was a wide range of codes. I changed the fluid that was burnt foul smelling and filter, gear position sensor, and the rear shaft sensor (I forget the exact names). This did nothing to help anything. I figure it is time for a rebuilt unit. I do not know for sure if I should bother with having anything done to the unit that is in it now. I am having a problem as to find out exactly what the unit is. Where do I look for the transmission model, so I know exactly what to buy.
Thank you,
Phillip B. Tori
I have a 03 Ranger edge 3.0 and I am having a really weird problem. When the truck starts up, the speedometer, not the tac, starts to flash up and down at idle with random speeds, .sitting at idle it will just shut off. once you are driving over 30ish its fine until you slow down and you can see the speedometer start fluctuating sometimes the trans feels fine then sometimes it feels like its trying to catch up and smacks you in the back… Then there are times when it is perfect. Any Ideas?
08 2.3 l no debris in pan .200.000
Slips in all gears but 2nd. If you take off in 2 then shift to drive it drives good. Shifter on column has excessive play
Won’t go into overdrive, drive, 1rst,or2nd. I believe it is an electrical issue . Need helpful advice. 1991 ranger 4.0 4×4. A4LD trans.
2-3 and 3-4 hard up-shift and down-shift. Almost no drive in reverse when at temp. Lacks during acceleration as well. Foot to the floor in most cases barely gets it to move from a stop while loaded. I use this truck for commuting and work. I put over 1000 miles a week on this truck. Any help or insight is greatly appreciated.