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!
97 2.3L 2wd, Column shifter is not lined up properly, o/d off light is blinking will not catch a gear.
When temperature outside is cold over night- 03 Mazda B3000 starts right up but at times when I shift to Reverse or Drive, it won’t respond unless i goose the gas- Lightly. Sometimes it will respond if i just let it warm up- but not always. It will then shift into gear with a big BANG. It runs fine after that. Truck has 81K miles.
All hears work but sometimes reverse wont engage but sometimes it does ,drive is same way untill u up to 35 then itll work .
No issues with overdrive
it a ford ranger 1993 transmission is going into high 4000.rpm between 50km to 60 km than shift down after
it running high rpm to 4000 and between 50km to 60km than shitf down
98 ranger shifts hard when I put it
in gear and going down the road it shifts hard in all gears
98 ford ranger no gears with over drive on turn over drive off and you have 1,2,3, and reverse been driving it that way for a year no trouble codes would you know what could be the problem
you find an answer
I have a 97 ranger with 3.0 auto 4 trans that wont engage in drive without raving the engine. I changed the fluid and changed the speed sensor. Any ideas?
I have a 1998 ford ranger 4×4 Automatic transmission came to stop sign and it wouldn’t go in drive rev it try’s to move sift it to first it moves put it in 2nd gear it moves put it back in drive won’t go or put in in reverse and it moves but seems like it’s slipping Trans fluid is clean and doesn’t smell burnt
i have a 2002 ranger xlt 4×4 , it still drives but OD off light is flashing and does not go into OD
pluss every code that that tranny has is coming up when put on computer
Had my transmission rebuilt at aj’s transmission and had nothing but problems for the first 10 months they had it more than I did. They could never get it right the od light keep coming on and it wouldn’t shift right then they pulling it out replaced the torque converter and replace the valve body multiple times and finally they end up taking the tranny out and replacing it with another one now after one month it won’t go into third gear.I’m stuck it’s been over a year.what a nightmare!!!!
I have a 1994 Ford ranger v6 4×4 first gear won’t kick in
I have an 2004 r anger. It has no upshift.and no voltage on the epc solenoid.
2011 Ranger automatic
60,000 kilometers so far no problems
Have a 97 ranger 4×4 4.0L v6. It seem to be going in and out of fourth gear. I’ll be traveling at 45mph and seems like it’s wants to shift but hesitates then after a could of times it’ll go into gear. What could be the problem.
Od light blinking
Hey I got a 1994 ford ranger and everytime I put into reverse or neutral it’s like I am putting it in drive any ideas
I HAVE 98FORD RANGER AUTOMATIC I HAVE PROBLEM IT SLIPS WHEN I AM DRIVING THE FLUID IS FULL AND I USE ALOT OF GAS WHAT IS MY PROBLEM IS THE SLIPPING THE REASON I USE ALOT OF GAS..THIS IS A FIRST FORD I. HAD SO CAN YOU HELP ME TELL ME THE CAUSE..
Does not go into overdrive
My 1995 ford ranger 3.0 4×4 automatic transmission has 198k and just whines. No weird shifts, no leaks, shifts into 3rd rough sometimes and that’s it.
Good day
I have a 2012 ranger 3.2 xlt 2×4 my automatic transmission is making a clunky /rattle noise in drive and reverse not in park and neutral, I have resently had a oil and filter change to the box, I don’t know what direction to go