The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck that enthusiasts praise for its sturdy construction and reliability. However, concerns have been raised by Ford Ranger owners about persistent transmission problems, especially among users who own trucks with the new 10-speed transmission.
The transmission problems owners complain about in Ford Ranger models include unusual noises, gears slipping, and rough shifting, which have prompted many people to find assistance from auto repair shops and dealerships more often than not. These issues have resulted in expensive repair costs for owners or total transmission failure, which demands an even costlier new transmission.
In this article, we will investigate some of the commonly reported issues with the transmission in Ford Ranger vehicles, their cause, and the tips to bring a halt to these faults. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Common symptoms of Ford Ranger transmission problems
1. Delayed or slipping shifts
2. Strange noises and vibrations
3. Gear engagement issue
Causes of transmission issues in the Ford Ranger
1. Wear and tear
2. Poor maintenance practices
3. Manufacturing defects
4. Software and electronic failures
Diagnosing the problem
1. Visual inspection
2. Using diagnostic tools
3. Testing transmission fluid
Resolving transmission problems
1. Basic maintenance tips
2. Repairs, costs, and proper replacement components
3. Seeking professional help
Preventive measures
1. Regular maintenance schedule
2. Use the correct transmission fluid
3. Driving habits for transmission longevity
Conclusion
Common symptoms of Ford Ranger transmission problems
Transmission problems present differently in Ford Rangers depending on the model, mileage, and use. Below are some of the symptoms that provide clues for owners that their vehicle has a problem with its gearbox.
1. Delayed or slipping shifts
One of the most common problems that owners often report is that the gears slip or hesitate while performing a gear change. They also complain that their transmission is taking too long to change, or the gears are slipping while accelerating on the freeway.
These problems can happen in any gear range and most affect Ford Rangers with an automatic gearbox. Shifting delays in Ford Ranger vehicles result in poor vehicle performance and could lead to dangerous driving situations.
2. Strange noises and vibrations
It is common for Ford Ranger drivers to hear clunking, grinding noises, and whining sounds as they shift gears, indicating an issue with their transmission. In other cases, as the truck moves, there are rough shifts or sudden stops, which lead to occupants experiencing shudders or vibrations.
These signs mostly help identify whether there are problems with the transmission fluid or internal gearbox damage.
3. Gear engagement issue
Owners have also complained about experiencing problems while shifting their vehicle into “Drive”, “Reverse”, or trying to disengage from “Park”. These are faults that point to the shifter itself, brake pedal sensor, or the parking brake system.
These problems lead to frustration for drivers, especially when trying to make a quick gear change when parking their Ford Ranger on an incline or in a parking lot.
Causes of transmission issues in the Ford Ranger
Several factors can potentially cause transmission problems in Ford Ranger pickups. Let’s break them down.
1. Wear and tear
Like any other vehicle, it is natural for a Ford Ranger to undergo wear and tear over time after covering a certain mileage, mostly in the thousands of miles. The failure in a Ranger gearbox arises when internal parts of a transmission, like clutches and gear teeth, start wearing down over time.
Transmission seals also degrade over time, which results in oil leaks and gear slippage, a problem persistent with Ford Rangers.
2. Poor maintenance practices
A Ford Ranger is highly likely to experience transmission failures if the owner is not taking good care of the vehicle. For instance, a transmission may fail if there is a missed fluid change or when an inappropriate fluid is used in the Ford Ranger gearbox.
Many studies have shown that owners who report their vehicle experiencing transmission failure admit to not having consistent maintenance schedules.
3. Manufacturing defects
Production-related errors and defects are also among the reasons for transmission failures in Ford pickups.
Some Ford Rangers, which had a manual transmission built between 2015 and 2016, had an issue with a poorly installed retaining clip that held gear shift cables, which made gear changing difficult or even impossible. This led to Ford recalling all vehicles built within that period to have that issue fixed.
4. Software and electronic failures
Technical glitches can affect the reliability of the Ford Ranger’s transmission, and this is prevalent in its electronic control modules and solenoids.
To tackle this problem, Ford rolled out software updates to dealerships so that they could provide a remedy to affected customers. Nevertheless, some Ranger owners still complained of the same issues even after the reprogramming procedure.
Diagnosing the problem
Owners noticing signs of their vehicle experiencing shifting problems or unusual behaviour can use the following diagnostic steps to identify the underlying issue with their Ranger.
1. Visual inspection
The first step in diagnosing a Ford Ranger transmission problem is to check underneath the truck for any evidence of transmission fluid leaks. If there is a leak, the seals and gaskets could be worn out and need replacement.
If a leak appears dark or emits a burning smell, there could be a big problem with their pickup’s transmission. Owners can also visually check for any visible signs of wear around the gearbox, transmission mounts, and linkages.
2. Using diagnostic tools
Ford Ranger vehicles are fitted with OBD-II ports that allow owners or technicians to plug in diagnostic scanners to detect any problems affecting the engine, transmission, or suspension. An OBD-II scanner can help provide owners with exact details of the problem with their Ford Ranger.
3. Testing transmission fluid
Owners can check transmission fluid levels, the color, and its consistency. Most of the time, rough shifting issues and gear slipping can be attributed to contaminated or low transmission fluid levels.
Resolving transmission problems
1. Basic maintenance tips
Most of these problems can be avoided by following a proper service maintenance routine. For example, Ford Ranger 4×4 owners are advised to perform a transmission fluid change between 30,000 and 60,000 miles by using the specific fluid type recommended by the Ford Motor Company.
2. Repairs, costs, and proper replacement components
A repair or complete overhaul of a Ford Ranger transmission will cost owners anywhere between USD 1500 and USD 4500, depending on the vehicle model and the labor charges. Owners should fit OEM parts or opt for reputable aftermarket alternatives for their vehicle. Using the wrong parts for repairs is not a good idea, as it can lead to unwanted problems with the Ford Ranger.
3. Seeking professional help
Transmission systems can have complex issues that DIY repairs cannot effectively address. Ford Ranger owners are advised to look for assistance from certified mechanics or trustworthy dealerships when they need expert advice on tackling gearbox issues.
This is because trusted automotive shops have access to useful data, such as technical service bulletins (TSB) and service notices based on VIN numbers for vehicles that require attention.
Preventive measures
1. Regular maintenance schedule
Ford Ranger owners should adhere to the maintenance schedule that Ford provides for their particular Ford Ranger model, be it the XLT, Wildtrak, or the Raptor. In most cases, many transmission issues come from missed or postponed service schedules.
2. Use the correct transmission fluid
Owners should only use the transmission fluid that Ford recommends. If a person uses the non-approved transmission fluid, they may risk exposing their vehicle to gear damage risks, oil leaks, or even void their warranties.
3. Driving habits for transmission longevity
Another tip to extend a transmission’s lifespan is by avoiding instantaneous acceleration and adhering to the towing weight limit. When owners care for their transmission by handling their vehicle gently, it significantly increases its lifespan.
Conclusion
Despite being popular, the Ford Ranger has its owners mostly complain about its transmission’s reliability. The good thing is that these problems can be fixed as explained in this guide.
By understanding the root cause of the problem, how to diagnose and fix the issue, owners can be able to ensure the longevity of their Ford Ranger’s transmission.
