2004 Ford Ranger 4x4 Edge Plus 3.0 Automatic with 46k miles
James Duff Traction Bars and FR Axle Girdle are the only drivetrain mods to the drivetrain
Slightly larger tires 245/75R16s from 265/70R16s

It has been snowing here and have been getting around in the snow without having to use 4wd. I was doing really good but had to use 4x4 a couple times for short bursts. Well today on my way home from lunch I came up to a stoplight and the O/D off light came on and started flashing. I had to drive it back to work and it was off. I have only driven it a max of 1.5 miles since the light came on.

In the past it has only hung in first gear once or twice when the transmission was cold. Once warmed up it has been fine. I planned on flushing it but didn't get around to it before winter snuck up on me.

My question is what should I do? Drop it off at a transmission shop or dealership? Should I get flushed...etc

 

take it to a shop that can pull the code

 

Do they normally do that for free or should I just buy a code reader? If so which transmission and ABS code reader is the best?

 

I pulled the code this afternoon and it was P0733 Gear 3 Incorrect ratio. I don't think it's slipping in 3rd. Would the tires spinning in the snow cause this code to appear? BTW the light went off after the next restart.

I reset the code and it hasn't appeared. If it does into the shop it will go....