I have 2000 range 3.0 V6 and I've noticed something concerning. It for the most part has no problem shifting into drive but when I've already been running it for 15+ min and I shift out of drive say park then back to drive it has trouble getting into gear. Revs up but no power to the wheels or very little power to wheels. I can often get into gear by shifting to neutral or 2nd gear then back to drive and giving it some gas. I'm guessing this has something to do with the clutch or bands. It has no trouble going into any other gear and once in gear shift fine up and down through the gears. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

First thing would be to see if is an external problem.

Common issue with Ford trucks is a loose column shifter cable(it doesn't "feel" loose), so gears don't get shifted correctly.
Google: ford ranger column shifter loose

Lots of videos and articles on this, same setup was used in all Ford trucks so it isn't Ranger specific.

Next would be the electric plug ins on the transmission, remove each one and check it for clean dry connectors and plug back in.
The TCC(torque converter clutch) lock/unlock solenoid connector could have intermittent connection.

Then have the Codes read at an auto parts store, it is free, WRITE any codes down, computer keeps track of transmission faults which don't always turn on the CEL(check engine light)

 

Thanks for the info ill will be checking those possibilities out some time this week. Thanks again