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!
my overdrive dont work know more . thank you.
I just got a used 2004 ford ranger 5 speed 3 L v6 and 2nd gear it feels like a grind until it gets warmed up the longer I drive it the better it feels shifting from 1st to 2nd
I replaced the 4r44e transmission in my 199& Ranger with 1999 4r44e transmission now whenever you drive it it shuts off or acts like it’s not getting fuel how do I reset the transmission control module
reverse band adjustment What
It move 1-2 & when shift D to go
2000 XLT 2WD 3speed auto, 3.0L v6 had engine replaced, flex plate broke soon afterward, said wrong bolts, and another flex plate broke. Starting to think they did not use the spreader/spacer or a required spacer of some kind was not installed. Do not have exploded parts diagram to see precisely what parts should be there.
Plan to take it apart and replace flex plate but need to be absolutely sure I have all the parts installed correctly.
Where can I find parts or WHO is expert enough to do the job properly?
Just replaced my trans. A 2003 Ford ranger. With one that was rebuilt that was different than mine. I can take off a shift it into all gears. But when I let off the gas it desen indisengages ges the gear until I rev the engine then it pops back in. And it makes a spinning noise. Then it will drive to e until I let off the gas again. Can anybody tell me what it could be.
my buddy put a starter in my Ford Ranger in the wires are crossed and it was arcing really bad and now my truck won’t go in reverse or drive I was wondering if I blew a fuse of some kind to make it not make the transmission not work
the motor has a 400 in itthat’s pretty much all I know about it
H4.0 motor 2003 Ford Super Ranger
03 has pump on bel housing
Can I change bell housing
My 2001 ranger reacts to gas but wont move, it just revs. Does this happen to anyone else?
Going thru same thing with my 00 ranger XLT 3.0
Yea same
Idk what to do. Valve body gasket blown I fixed that. Still only have reverse. No forward
Put used 02 in the 01 Xlt 4.0 and metal noise and shuts off quick. Didn’t change the converter ? Could this be the issue
I have a 4r44e transmission out of a Mazda B 2300 to: radiator busted and leaked fluid into the trans And lost drive in first I rebuilt it put it back together is doing the same thing except now it’s delaying going into gear I’m thinking it is a valve body problem
My 2006 Ranger hesitates several seconds to engage into drive when I shift it in. Any thoughts what is wrong
I have a 2003 ford ranger edge 3.0 4×4 and when i put it in ger it will move just a small pease but if i give it gas it stops but the other dy i put it in 4low it seem to move more then in 2wd. I need it back on the road asap but i don’t have the money to get a new or another trans. I was wondering if i can charge the sensors on the bottom of trans would it be back up and driving?
Broken band.
I have an 02 ranger with a 4.0. It just started having transmission problems. When I press on the throttle it seems to have a power loss or lag but will come out of it around 2500 to 3000 rpms. It does it sometimes. When I go to take of it sounds like I’m hitting the rev limiter at 3000 rpms and it won’t shift. If I put it into neutral then back in drive it clears up. It only does it occasionally. Is this a sign of low transmission fluid or do I have a bigger problem on my hands?
My 01 Ranger 4.0L 4×4 after letting sit for awhile it sounds like a bag of marbles are lose in the trans
Reverse quit working
Broken reverse band. unfortunately you have to pull everything out to get to it. If you do it go ahead and buy a rebuild kit that includes all bands and clutches. Get an ATSG guide and read it first. It always helps if you know somebody who is mechanically inclined for some advice
My transmission seems to be changing each gears location. For instance, it seems that park is reverse, reverse is neutral, neutral is drive and drive is 1rst and so on. What does this means
Adjust linkage or tighten star head bolts on shifter tube under your dash
My 2008 PJ Ford Ranger transmission is good changing from 1st – 2nd, flares when cold from 2nd -3rd and a bit harsh from 3rd-4th. Apparently there are no codes coming up and the fluid has been changed a couple of times
It does get a little bit better when warmed up tho but still not happy with it. Do u think it might be a solenoid/ block problem, Bands need adjusting?
My 2010 Ford Ranger transmission is good changing from 1st. to 2nd, to 3rd and 4th. The problem sometimes is that doesn’t engage the 1st when started. This is intermittent and it does get better when warmed up. Have changed fluid but still does the same. It gets worse after shifting from reverse to drive.
Possible valve body gasket issue
Ford ranger fx4 will not go from d to s
Got it. A burned board under the shifter, but come on ford, in a car less then 18 month old….
Whenever you put in park it goes in reverse icon and the same in drive