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Backstory:
"Homer" is my bright Chrome Yellow 2003 Ranger Edge Crew-Cab. He has the 3.0L 6cyl flex engine, and (I think) the 5R44E transmission. He has 224K miles and has been driven like I was a blue haired little old lady (I'm not).
Homer is mad at me I think, can't blame him. Cuz I replaced him. Didn't want to (another story), Homer's been my best buddy for 14 years. But last year I bought a 2024 Maverick ("Marge"). I still think I like Homer better.
Homer's been parked out back for a year. My nephew was gonna buy him but after stringing me along for months, backed out. So now Homer is now up for sale again. He was running great when I parked him. He ran great for the first 3 prospective buyers that came to look about buying him. Then he decided to show his big hairy yellow butt to the 4th. Do'h! The Problem:
The automatic transmission is shifting rough, especially from 1st to 2nd. A lurch and thunk. Less noticeable but still rough from 2nd to 3rd to 4th...
Plenty of trans fluid (a little too much actually), nice and clean and red. Was changed at 150K miles (now at 224).
Although he was mostly parked for a year, I did occasionally drive him around the block. He behaved fine.
I haven't checked for trouble codes yet, gotta find my ODBII adapter. Considered a vacuum leak, and changed the PCV valve and some old degraded hose. Gotta find my vacuum gauge.
Not sure where to start troubleshooting. Hoping it's something simple cuz I'd like to get him sold (although I will miss him) but I'm honest and moral enough not to sell a vehicle I secretly know has a problem. "Homer"
Tell people about the roughness and get 'em to experience it. No sweat on the honesty front.
Is it registered? aka Can you drive it about and get it warm over several days? Do so.
Establish a consistent behavior THEN drain enough transmission fluid to allow for a 10 oz. red bottle of LubeGard.
Many feel improvement. You may too with little effort and expense.
Tell people about the roughness and get 'em to experience it. No sweat on the honesty front.
Is it registered? aka Can you drive it about and get it warm over several days? Do so.
Establish a consistent behavior THEN drain enough transmission fluid to allow for a 10 oz. red bottle of LubeGard.
Many feel improvement. You may too with little effort and expense.
