Can you answer a question for me? I have a 2002 4x2 ranger 3.0 automatic transmission that has the following problem.

After removing the starter and opposite side inspection plate at the bell housing I am able to turn the flywheel with a screwdriver. It rotates relatively freely, but has a squeak at a certain point in rotation.

The starter has been bench tested, and seems to work fine. After re-installing, it seems to turn the flywheel? But not the engine and naturally, it will not start.

The problem began while accelerating onto the interstate when the engine would rev up but not apply power to the wheels. The engine was running fine when I was able to coast it off the road. No power would be applied between the engine (running fine) and wheels in any gear.

Upon shutting the engine down, the starter would turn but seems no cranking power is being applied to the engine itself.

I am at a loss, and do not want to invest in a transmission and/or engine or towing expenses until I've got an idea as to the problem.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Jack

 

...when the engine would rev up but not apply power to the wheels....sounds like trans problem slipping internal....smell the trans oil...if it stinks thats your problem/plus internal damage

 

Flexplate is broken or Crank bolts holding flexplate to crank are sheared off.
Automatics use a Flexplate, Manual transmissions use a Flywheel

Transmission needs to come out.
And maybe the engine, depending on condition of crank.

When you lost power to wheels was when the connection between Crank shaft and Flexplate was severed.

The Flexplate is the part you see that has the Ring Gear attached, starter motor turns the ring gear on the edge of the flexplate, flexplate is bolted to the crank shaft so it will turn the crank shaft/engine when ring gear turns.

Transmission/Torque converter is bolted to the Flexplate, Flexplate is connected to crank shaft, so when engine is running transmission is also running, doesn't mean it is in gear but is running, pumping ATF.


So no power in gear and no turning of engine by starter motor means flexplate is no longer connected to the engine/crankshaft


Look at post #11 here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=135318
And post #7 here: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/13...nnot-find.html

Shows the center has been ripped out of a flexplate

 

Perfect ATF. No smell and serviced about 30,000 miles ago. Thanks!

 

This looks and sounds like it.

Thank you so much for your insight!

Regards,
Jack