Another Noob here in need of assistance
 

How do I determine the transmission I have? I just got a 2001 Ranger XLT, 3.0l, 4X2. VIN - 1FTYR14U11PA26336. I believe it is either a 4R44E or 5R44E, leaning toward the 4R44E. This sweet little truck only has 149k miles on it. My dad didn't drive it much over the past 4 years and sold it to me. There are other smaller issues and I have a handle on them but the transmission is the issue I could use some help on. (The build sticker is missing due to it being a salvage truck-original motor and transmission is in it.). Initial driving - have to let off the gas at about 25 and 45 mph for it to shift into the next gear. It shifts smoothly when you do this but the O/D light flashes. I changed the oil, new tires, etc. and drove it 400 miles to my home with no problems other than the shifting issue. Once home, I pulled the code 0733. Over the past couple of days I have not always had to "assist shift" with the gas pedal and I noticed that the code comes up when slowing down or stopping. I was told by a large chain transmission shop to have a complete rebuild (at about $2k!), can't really afford that so I am trying to ID the transmission. Also, any opinions as to whether I should go with a "Pull-A-Part" transmission or a used/rebuilt are welcomed!
Thanks in advance,
Andy

Welcome to the forum

Its not in the VIN

But it is on the drivers door label, back end of the door

At the Bottom of the label you will see TRANS, under that a letter
T = 4R44E
D = 5R44E

2001 3.0l Ranger should have a D, 5R44E, but late 2000 would have a T, 4R44E

Example of label here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...le_codes.shtml

TRANS code T

You can also see what rear AXLE you have

Appreciate the reply, that label is missing because the driver side door was replaced (salvage truck, t-boned). Is there another way to determine the transmission?

Well the 4R and 5R transmissions are exactly the same inside, the "5th gear" is actually a software change in the computer/controller, a faux 2nd gear was added by turning on OD solenoid when still in 1st gear, which gives a smoother shift

BUT............on the outside there was a new sensor added in 2001 3.0ls, just above the shifter on drivers side, Ford added an ISS(intermediate shaft speed) sensor

1995 to 2000 4R44E picture here: http://www.atraonline.com/gears/1999...gmar99p49a.jpg

2001-2011 5R44E picture here: http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...0010_large.jpg

ISS sensor is circled, if you have this sensor then its a 5R44E for sure, if not then a 4R44E

Big thanks
 

You just cleared up a couple of questions, got one more....would you happen to know what the symptoms would be if that sensor were defective or disconnected?

You would get a CEL(check engine light) and code in the P07XX section, transmission codes

You may get sharper/hard shifts because of the transmission code, the software in the computer doesn't try to make smooth shifts because of the code
Smooth shifts without all sensors working can cause clutches to heat up and brakes(bands) as well, so its like a "safe mode" until code is cleared by fixing the problem

Thanks for the info, pretty sure I will have more questions in the future. Going to keep this truck for a while!

Forgot to post the link to the Ford OBD2 codes, look here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...II_codes.shtml

Never Google a code number, always look it up on a full list first
The computer will have several codes(5 to 10) for one sensor or solenoid, the codes it does NOT USE can be as helpful as the one code it does use

Then you can google the code if you want