1994 Ford Ranger XLT automatic transmission 4x2

Every two weeks like clock work I have to put a quart or more of transmission fluid in because it's apparently disappeared. I originally thought it was a leak, so I told my brother and he replaced a gasket in the transmission that he thought was the culprit. Everything was working fine, but now it's two weeks later and it is doing the same thing. My truck will have trouble shifting gears, It'll get stuck and I'll have to rev it up until the gear finally pops in and it lurches forward. Can't be good for the truck...

Any idea what the issue is? I ain't got a clue! Could the transmission fluid be leaking into the engine? Because I sure as heck don't see any leaks on the ground and I've been keeping a close eye.

 

There's no way it could be leaking into the engine. Both systems are completely separate, as far as fluids go.

I would say it's consuming the fluid, but there's no parts which could consume fluid, unlike the engine.

They make UV dyes you can dump into fluids. Get some and pour it into the tranny as per the instructions. Wait until it needs to be topped up again. When it does, take a UV light and hunt around for anything that glows. Trace it back and there's your leak.

 

Check your radiator overflow tank. Could be a leak between Trans cooler in Radiator and engine cooling in Radiator.

 

1994 Ranger will have an A4LD automatic

Yes, check trans cooler lines at radiator and look in radiator cap opening or overflow tank for oily residue, ATF

Front transmission seal was a common leak point, check bell housing inspection plate area for fluid

And of course rear drive shaft seal.

You have an internal leak for sure from description of "in gear" delay

All Automatics run on Pressure, they are ALWAYS "in gear" but what makes them go is Pressure to release brakes and clutches.
Reverse requires highest pressure, so most people first notice transmission issue when shifting into Reverse, a delay or no go at all, raising engine RPMs raises pressure in the trans, which can help engage a gear but it will just get worse over time.

Inside the trans are gaskets and seals and they just wear out over time, there are additives that help swell gaskets and seals, but temp fix at best.
Smell trans fluid, slipping from low pressure will cause a darker color trans fluid and burnt smell when it is at the end of use(the trans not the fluid, lol).

You may only be loosing trans fluid while driving so not much to see when parked.
You could jack up the back wheels and "drive it" to see

 

Does that year have a vacuum modulator? If so, and thr diaphragm is bad, trans fluid will get sucked up to the vacuum source (the intake) through the line.

Had that problem with my Granada once.

 

Good call Bob

1994 may still have that, check vacuum hose for ATF

Vacuum modulator is on passenger side of trans toward the rear

Image here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...ld_labeled.JPG

 

Thanks! Should have added, if you pull the vacuum line off and there's trans fluid visible, that's your problem. And they're cheap and easy to get to, as well.

 

Great info here, thanks y'all. I think it's a good place to start - trans. cooler lines,
general inspection includung carefully checking front & rear seals.

I have seen signs of leakage on the ground where I've driven. If I find no clear
evidence, I may try the UV dye route - is that safe for transmissions?

I miss my Truck!

 

Yes, UV dye is safe to use in automatic(or manual) trans, oil, and coolant when looking for leaks

 

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the vacuums modulator on the transmission is dumping trans oil into the motor oil. Now the problem is getting to it to change it and finding the part