Hey all

I just purchased a used 2003 Ranger XL 2wd 2.3L. I am having a problem with my transmission Overdrive light flashing. I do have a pretty good scanner that can not only pull codes but also can give live data while the car is running/ driving.
The code is "Transmission Fluid Temperature high voltage" When I run the live data, it does show that it has a "Fail" and that the voltage is at 4.61 and the fluid temp is at -1.6 Deg. Clearly not accurate since I live in central florida what it's hot. Doubt the fluid temp is -1º.

When I drive, it will shift into all gears, but it slams into 2nd and 3rd when accelerating. doesn't matter how hard I accelerate. I know this is "Limp" mode, but here is the problem.

Best I can tell, I have the 5R44E Transmission. Every auto parts store and the stealership tell me there is no "Transmission Fluid Temperature" sensor on this truck. I can not find any youtube or google help either. Seems I have a unicorn!!.
I have replaced the diff speed sensor and the output speed sensor. Even though my live data shows all speed sensors functioning normally. I dropped the Tranny pan, shock the solenoids for ohm range and powered them with a 12v lead just to see if the activate, and they do. also they show no faults on my live data scanner. my live data scanner show only the P0713 code, and the voltage and temp.

Can anyone help? I have only had this thing 2 weeks and Im ready to drive it into the river and leave it.

 

Also, forgot to mention and may or may not be relevant. When I bought the truck it had O2 codes for both banks. (Only 2 on the truck since it is 4 cyl) and there was not problem with the transmission at that point. didn't even show a code on my scanner. everything changed when I changed out the OS sensors and took it for a drive. That's when it happened.

 

Welcome to the forum

2.3l DOHC Duratec engine, 4cyl, these only have 1 Bank, but an upstream(S1) and downstream(S2) O2 sensor, just FYI
Upstream O2 tells computer if the fuel mix it calculated is OK
Downstream O2 tells computer if Cat Converters are cleaning up the exhaust correctly


Very odd the dealer said there is no TFT(trans fluid temp) sensor in your 5R44E transmission, as there is one, has been since 1995
In the valve body, looks like this: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...0&d=1501297149

You can test it yourself with an OHM meter from the 16 pin connector on drivers side of tranmission



TFT connections are pins 4 and 8
Should show OHMs between 16k to 37k relative to your current outside temp, assuming testing on cold transmission, between 70 and 100degF outside temp

TFT is a 5volt sensor, like most sensors, it doesn't use the 12volts on the connector, that's for the solenoids
So the 4.6volts means virtually no resistance thru the sensor

Since pins 4 and 8 are next to each other on connector, check that the wire's insulation is OK, and pull off the connector and make sure there is no corrosion that could short connections together
Also feel the wire harness to make sure it hasn't got to close to a heat source and melted a bit, or is in some way damaged


The P0713 code is why the trans is shifting the way it is, and why the OD light comes on or flashes, OD OFF light is the "Check transmission light"

Just FYI, harsh/hard shifts are better and safer for automatics, slow smooth shifts mean clutches and bands(brakes) are slowly engaging and disengaging which generates HEAT and wear
So when there is an electrical issue, a CODE, the computer doesn't do the slow smooth shifting to be on the safe side

 

RonD You are a wizard!

I pulled the connector on the driver side of the transmission off to check the suggested pins with a multimeter. Sure enough, the TFT is within spec. 29k resistance @ 79º That led me to believe, as you suggested it was in the wiring. I turned the key to the on position, and used my meter to test the corresponding connectors on the incoming wire harness. Sure enough 5v was measured, telling me it had to be in the connector itself. Upon further inspection, I noticed a few things. 1. the connector going to the transmission, was broken, and a few pins were pushed back in to the connector, pins 4 and 8 being some of the few. I pushed the wire from the back side of the connector and it came back into position in the connector. I plugged it back in, started it up and HELLO! No flashing OD light. I connected my scan tool, put in in live data mode and there it was, TFT reading temp, and as i drove, and the trans fluid temp increased, the voltage went down, just like it should.

I drove it to work the next day so proud of myself, and so happy for meeting you. However, on the way home, the OD light came back on, this time the scanner was showing the P0740, P0741 P0743 codes. All related to the Torque converter clutch. Live data was showing:
Torque Converter clutch 0% solenoid 1
Torque Converter clutch OFF solenoid 2
Torque Converter clutch fault: YES

Seeing how it was looking like it wasn't connected, i used your chart, adjusted the wires in the connecter and HELLO!. SO I know what is going on, the connecter is not hosing the wires in place and the vibrate out of position, loosing contact with the transmission. The harness has clearly been messed with in times passed, ugly E tape on it, all melted, and wires folded over.

For the last 36 hours, I have tried to locate a new connecter to rewire it. Amazon, eBay, web search, but alas, no success. my only thought is to check a salvage yard.

Any further help would be appreciated. Since the plastic connector seems to be the broken part, I would like to just replace it.

 

Good work

Is it the truck's connector or the transmission connector thats bad?

You can get the whole transmission connector with its harness for $25, have to drain and drop the pan to install it
Looks like this: https://www.fivestartransmissionpart...10/57-1407.jpg
1995 thru 2011 Ranger/Mazda B-series automatics used the same connector/harness, one size does fit all, lol


Truck side is a bit more complicated to replace, wrecking yard would be best bet, if similar year you maybe able to remove the whole harness intact
Or cut the wires at the connector then re-pin your wires in the "new" connector
Cut and splice is also an option but can be unreliable long term, unless soldering connections

2001-2011 did have extra wires taped to the 16 pin harness wires, for the external ISS and OSS sensors, but they are not part of the harness

 

Good evening sorry I’m having some issues and I figured one of you guys would be able to help me out I’m having a similar issue as OP Mentioned I was wondering if yall know where the TFT connector is located on a 03 v6 3.0 if so could yall help me? Thank you!!!