2.3 liter, Automatic, 2005.

Drive & Reverse back and forth test works great. Shifts PERFECT between 1rst & 2nd. And into OverDrive. It seems to DOWNSHIFT from OverDrive, when needed and back into OD when done climbing a small incline.

When there is NO LOAD, the transmission shifts FINE all the way through. As soon as there is a load (incline or needed acceleration), 2nd and 3rd have an issue. There is a SPIKE in RPMs (500-800), then a KICK into gear. I need to note that there are NO LIGHTS. No check engine, no flashing O/D light.

The previous owner, from obvious wear and tear, did not maintain this truck and likely drove it pretty hard. I have owned the truck for three weeks now (if that). The entire undercarriage is covered in a light rust, likely from being beach parked. There is also a heavy, but not long lasting vibration from somewhere, JUST when taking off initially if I don't do so slowly.

TROUBLE SHOOTING:

When on an incline, if I let up the acceleration when I desire it to shift, it works and does so smoothly. On an incline, this sucks, as you lose momentum at the same time. On flat surface, this is especially handy to know.

Can anybody assist me? Getting estimates for fixing the issue just makes it hard to even know what direction to go in. Some already ASSUME it is worst case, so are they really going to look for a lesser cause? Others seem TOO cheap to be true!

WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD:

I took to FOUR shops.

SHOP1: We need to open your transmission and might as well rebuild for a grand total of $1,000.00. (Friend referred me here and they are a BBB member).

SHOP2: It might be the VALVEBODY ($1200.00) or a CLUTCH PLATE ($2800.00). (Seemingly Reputable Shop, Also BBB).

SHOP3: "Oh, if you are slipping between 2nd & 3rd, then you need a new or rebuilt transmission!" ($1999.99). (Seemingly Reputable Shop, Not BBB).

SHOP4: A junk yard has my transmission for $500.00, used, no rebuilt, 2 month warrantee and I have a friend to install it. My friend is a great mechanic, but does not rebuild trannies, but said he can put one in, no problem. And he will NOT charge me.

SUGGESTIONS????

Friends, please advise. I would appreciate some help on this. Third-time Ranger owner and never had this issue. Please help. Thanks.

sounds like clutches?

__________________
MY BUILD THREAD
1999 MAZDA 2500SE, 2.5L 4-clanger, 5 speed, Green n slow. Rangers as daily drivers since 1988.
ASE Certified Mechanic, Builder of Show Destroying Protouring and Classic cars..

UPDATE:

I have taken it to the dealer. Without warrantee (bought as-is). They promise they will do 'their best' to make this right with me. So I am wondering how much their best will cost me. I wish I had more of an idea what this might be. I know someone out there has experienced this issue. I feel they are going to be talking a total rebuild, but a discount on a $3,000.00 job is like NOTHING...lol...

I would just love to be able to go there tomorrow and ask the right questions.

Did not get a lot of help on this forum for this issue. But here is an update for those who ever have a similar issue.

After pulling the pan and doing an entire service, including replacing the silenoid, and cleanig the valve body, and putting it back together again, the problems still exist. SO? It is a new transmission for me. The dealer found a low miles one, (30,000) and if they install it, they put a warrantee of two years, unlimited mileage on it. Since I JUST bought the truck, even thought I got it AS-IS, they agreed to share the cost with me. They are covering all the services they did, including oil change, cleaning the throttle-body and more, as well as the transmission and installation (grand total was $1918.00). They asked me to cover $600.00.

I would say they have gone well above what their LEGAL obligation is. I mean, I bought a USED car, at my own risk, and AS-IS. So they are doing this out of reputation and kindness.