I just purchased a 2000 Ford Ranger Super-cab XLT. 3.0 liter V6 with an automatic transmission. I have a rattle at highway speeds with the air conditioner running. It sounds like it is behind the glove box on the passenger side. Any ideas on what it could be?
Also I am trying to find out if I have a four or five speed transmission. I decoded the VIN on the Ford website but it said nothing about the trans.

 

2000 3.0L has a 4 speed automatic (4R44E).

The 5 speed version (5R44E) has basically the same internal parts but the electronic controls use 1st with overdrive to create an additional gear between the four speed's 1st and 2nd. This new gear is not used during most driving, only at or near WOT for a slight improvement in acceleration. For two otherwise identically equipped Rangers, fuel economy should be comparable between the 4 speed and the 5 speed autos.