Hello!

My 2001 Ranger 3.0 V6 Automatic Transmission slips when going from Park to Drive when cold, it may take upwards of a minute to finally engage with a "clunk". Going to first does the same, second gear and reverse will engage right away when cold. After maybe 15 minutes of driving it will engage just fine. What happened: The AT fluid jacket in the radiator had popped and I was getting fluid in the radiator (and would imagine anti-freeze in the tranny). I replaced the radiator and flushed out the tranny, replaced the filter and ever since it will slip from P to D (buzzzzz> clunk) and then finally engage. It seems to be fine after warming up, Anything I missed (short of a rebuld and/or replace)?

Ideas always appreciated!

 

Welcome to the forum

See if local auto parts store can read any transmission codes, they start with P07...XX
Most can but not all, a transmission shop will for sure have a code reader that can, but may charge you for it.

If you look here: OBD-II Trouble Codes

And scroll down to the P0700's you will see the checks on the transmission are extensive, so if it is a solenoid issue it should set a code.

All automatics run on Pressure, the solenoids direct and release that pressure, it could be sticky valve, or small internal leak.
There are transmission additives that swell seals and gaskets so they seal better, and they are safe and fine to use.

You should have a 5R44E trans in a 2001 3.0l Ranger
The 5R44E doesn't actually have a 2nd gear, it is 1st gear with Overdrive engaged, so the OD is most likely what is working if 1st doesn't directly

If you shift to reverse, let it engage and then shift to Drive does D engine faster?

 

>>>If you shift to reverse, let it engage and then shift to Drive does D engine faster?<<<

P to R engages fine when cold, R to D- buzz, clunk, back to R (fine) back to D- buzz, clunk (until warm). I suspect a sticky valve as you had said but will be unsure until I can get the codes read. Thanks for the input!