I have a 2005 Ranger pickup that has the 5R44E transmission and have been experiencing a shift flare when it shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear. From what I have read online that earlier models (pre-2003) had valve body gasket issues that could cause low pressure and cause issues like this. My truck is newer and should have the newer gasket that solves this problem. I checked for OBD codes but none come up.

My question is what is how to diagnose the problem given the symptoms. I was considering doing a band adjustment first to ensure it is set up properly. If it still persists then I am up for any suggestions on how to proceed from there.

Thanks in advance.

 

Miles on truck?
Owned since new?
Have you checked the level and condition of the transmission fluid?
A pan drop / filter change / refill might improve things. MerconV is the ATF to buy.
The adjustment is straightforward.

 

Thanks for the reply. The truck has 65k miles on it and I have owned it for only 6 months. The fluid is clean and doesn't smell but it was changed just prior to me purchasing it. Not knowing the history is the biggest question mark in my mind.

 

I'm no expert on these matters but I have been pleasantly surprised at how much the simple "fluid refresh" can help.
Similarly, I've read stories about how the incorrect fluid can cause imperfect operation.

Given that the fluid was serviced just prior to your purchase, I suggest doing another change using fluid you know to be correct.
And since a pan drop only rids the unit of half its fluid, you might want to do this twice.
Also, were it mine, I'd add the recommended dose (1 oz. per system quart) of LubeGard in the red bottle.
It sounds like 'snake oil' but the stuff has worked for me and others.
This is the cheapest of first steps.

 

When I bought it the seller provided the paperwork on the fluid change (engine oil, transmission, coolant) so I'm confident it has the correct fluid and still shows clean. I'm going to go with the band adjustment and see what it does. If that doesn't help then I may have to pull the valve body and diagnose on the bench.