Recently my 2001 ranger (XLT 4x2 4.0 v6) has been having trouble getting out of first gear when I start moving from a stop. It’ll get up to ~3k RPMs before slamming into 2nd. After a few times of rough shifting the O/D Off warning light starts flashing. When I pull the codes I get P0733 - Incorrect Gear 3 Ratio.

The truck runs well when I’m moving, the only noticeable problem is the hard shift out of first. No problem with reverse. I changed the trans fluid and filter after this problem began, but no change. The fluid wasn’t too dirty either, no big metal shavings. Just whatever was on the magnet.

Was wondering if anyone else has experienced similar problems and what the solution may be.

I was thinking I’d check the solenoids and see if they’re functional, then check the valve body & gasket. If neither of those are the problem I’ll probably just end up dropping the transmission.

 

Welcome to the forum

You should look up Codes on full list first, like here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...trouble_codes/

Computer has lots of codes to choose from, so the codes it did NOT USE are as important as the codes it did choose

If P0733 was the only code then its not an electrical issue, i.e. bad solenoid, or it would have set a solenoid code

So this could be a valve body issue
All automatics run on ATF fluid pressure, 100psi for forward gears, 150psi for reverse
Valve body routes this pressure to the bands(brakes) and clutches to shift gears
Solenoids are use to operate this pressure routing by move the valves in the valve body
Leaks in seals and gaskets can cause "gears" to slip or not engage

Computer knows input RPMs, engine, and output RPMs drive shaft
P0733 Gear 3 Incorrect ratio
This means the input RPM and output RPMs did not show correct 3rd gear ratio when solenoids were activated for 3rd gear

Good read here on what 4R and 5R uses and when solenoids are used for each gear: https://atracom.blob.core.windows.ne.../2003_5_50.pdf

It shows solenoids 1 and 2(A and B) are both used for 3rd gear ratio, but 1st and 2nd both use solenoid 1, only 3rd uses solenoid 2
So could be the valve for solenoid 2 is leaking or gasket

The solenoid is working or you would also get one of these codes
P0755 Shift Solenoid B Malfunction
P0756 Shift Solenoid B Performance or Stock Off
P0757 Shift Solenoid B Stuck On
P0758 Shift Solenoid B Electrical
P0759 Shift Solenoid B Intermittent

If transmission is closer to 200k miles than 100k miles then might be time for a rebuild, bands and clutches are usually good for 250k
If miles are lower then you can change the valve body in the vehicle, usually about $200 for valve body with new solenoids and gaskets
Not 100% fix because its still a guess

Automatics are way harder to diagnose than engines, just FYI