Hi, new to forum and and I have a question. I just purchased a 99 Ranger 2.5L Automatic transmission. When the engine is cold the transmission downshifts hard when I come to a stop. The fluid level is good and color appears OK. Any ideas?

Thanks

Brian

 

If it works fine when its' warm, then let it warm up. When the fluid is cold it's thicker and it will have a delayed effect on engaging the clutches inside, you'll feel it as a hard shift. The best way to let it get to operating temp is to drive it slow and easy for the first 1-5 minutes. Heavy-duty trucks are required to have their auto-trans' at operating temp before driving.

 

Since you've purchased a used vehicle and have no idea about how it was previously maintained, or what additives might have been put in, I'd get a good flush & change the tranny fluid. Be sure they use Mercon V. It's the latest & greatest.