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Old 07-26-2011, 08:51 PM
guitarguy guitarguy is offline
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Unhappy Correction! Very hard 2-3 upshift on AUTOMATIC transmission

Hi all,

In a previous post, I mistakenly stated in the title that this is a problem with a MANUAL transmission. It is actually an AUTOMATIC transmission. Sorry for the confusion!

I'm new here and looking for assistance with a transmission problem on my 2002 2.3L 2WD Ranger. The symptoms: On the 2-3 upshift, the engine revs quickly and then, BAM! shifts into 3 quite hard. I am usually able to anticipate the 2-3 shift and lift off the throttle in order to ease the shift and the obvious stress on the drivetrain. This also happens on the 3-2 downshift.

Any thoughts? Any assistance is most appreciated.

Best,
Tim
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  #2  
Old 07-26-2011, 08:52 PM
HazardousRanger HazardousRanger is offline
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Default Re: Correction! Very hard 2-3 upshift on AUTOMATIC transmission

just for future reference, you can change titles if you go to go advanced when you edit your post
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Old 07-26-2011, 09:02 PM
2001xlt4d 2001xlt4d is offline
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Default Re: Correction! Very hard 2-3 upshift on AUTOMATIC transmission

i would change the filter and fluid..
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Old 07-30-2011, 03:23 PM
Areyouforcereal? Areyouforcereal? is offline
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Default Re: Correction! Very hard 2-3 upshift on AUTOMATIC transmission

Mine does the same thing. I just live with it cause I'm kinda lazy, and the fact that a firm shift will actually increase the life of your trans. because the clutches are slipping less during the shift. If you want to fix the issue, I believe a few years back, I saw something on an explorer forum, about a valve body gasket causing this issue? Not positive on this, but it would be a good place to start.
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Old 07-30-2011, 06:20 PM
Fordzilla80 Fordzilla80 is offline
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Default Re: Correction! Very hard 2-3 upshift on AUTOMATIC transmission

Is your O/D Off light blinking? If it seems like your trans is slipping, then there is a problem with a 2-3 shift flare on some of these transmissions. As was said before, it's usually caused by blown valve body gaskets. You're most likely gonna have to have the valve body rebuilt.

As for what was said before about firm shifts, yes, firm shifts can increase transmission life, but there is a point where firm becomes harsh, and harsh is bad for the transmission. What the the p.o. is describing sounds like a harsh shift.
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Old 07-31-2011, 09:17 PM
guitarguy guitarguy is offline
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Default Re: Correction! Very hard 2-3 upshift on AUTOMATIC transmission

Hey folks,

Thanks for the replies - much appreciated!

The shift is far beyond firm. It is preceded by a very sudden jump in RPM and when it finally does complete the shift, the entire driveline shudders. This is definitely a very harsh shift that will most certainly result in something breaking sooner than later.

There do not seem to be any other symptoms with the transmission and it works quite well other than this. Also, the O/D indicator light is not blinking, but does turn on and off as expected when the O/D is turned on and off.

My next step will be to investigate rebuilding/repairing the valve body as suggested.

Thanks again.

Best,
Tim
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