2.9L & 3.0L V6 Tech General discussion of 2.9L and 3.0L V6 Ford Ranger engines.

Ranger Will Only Drive In 2nd

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Old 11-25-2018
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Ranger Will Only Drive In 2nd

So I have a 2002 Ford Ranger 3.0L automatic and when I want to drive it I first have to put in 2nd and then shift to drive in order for it to work does anyone know what the problem may be???
 
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Old 11-25-2018
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Welcome to the forum

You have a 5R44E automatic, same as 5R55E as far as trouble shooting, just FYI

Is that the only symptom?
No slipping when shifting and Reverse works fine, no delay

Has the OD light on the dash ever flashed?

The computer controls the shifting in the transmission, and it uses solenoids to do that.
If a solenoid is acting up the computer will set a transmission code in memory, P0700 to P0799 are transmission codes and they don't always turn on the CEL(check engine light)
Most auto parts stores will read these codes for free, WRITE THEM DOWN!!!!!!
Need exact code number(s), "I think it was............." is worse than no code

Your problem reads like a solenoid is stuck open preventing transmission from building up pressure, if transmission is not slipping, so clutches and brakes(bands) are OK then you could replace the all the solenoids, or better yet replace the valve body with new solenoids, this can be done under the truck, don't have to pull out transmission.
There are newer designed Shift kits that help these transmission work better

It transmission fluid is darker red or smells burnt then you need a full rebuild, new solenoids and valve body would be needed but still need to replace other parts which requires transmission to be removed
 
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Old 11-25-2018
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Originally Posted by RonD
Welcome to the forum

You have a 5R44E automatic, same as 5R55E as far as trouble shooting, just FYI

Is that the only symptom?
No slipping when shifting and Reverse works fine, no delay

Has the OD light on the dash ever flashed?

The computer controls the shifting in the transmission, and it uses solenoids to do that.
If a solenoid is acting up the computer will set a transmission code in memory, P0700 to P0799 are transmission codes and they don't always turn on the CEL(check engine light)
Most auto parts stores will read these codes for free, WRITE THEM DOWN!!!!!!
Need exact code number(s), "I think it was............." is worse than no code

Your problem reads like a solenoid is stuck open preventing transmission from building up pressure, if transmission is not slipping, so clutches and brakes(bands) are OK then you could replace the all the solenoids, or better yet replace the valve body with new solenoids, this can be done under the truck, don't have to pull out transmission.
There are newer designed Shift kits that help these transmission work better

It transmission fluid is darker red or smells burnt then you need a full rebuild, new solenoids and valve body would be needed but still need to replace other parts which requires transmission to be removed
So if you put it in D or 1 first gear will slip but like I said before if you put it in 2 then shift to drive it works fine and reverse works fine as well. And thank you for the codes I’ll have to check this coming week and see if we get any codes.
 
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Old 11-26-2018
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Ranger Drives in 2nd

So if you put it in D or 1 first gear will slip but like I said before if you put it in 2 then shift to drive it works fine and reverse works fine as well. And thank you for the codes I’ll have to check this coming week and see if we get any codes.
 
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Old 11-26-2018
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Yes, a solenoid is most likely stuck or leaking

You can look at the diagrams here: http://www.atra.com/Gears/2003/2003-05/2003_5_50.pdf
but nothing jumps out as a specific "that's the problem"

Shifting to 2nd does turn on Overdrive(solenoid 3), but not seeing why that would matter if it shifts normally after that
 
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