I'm a newbie to this forum, and I'm really not much of a mechanic, so bare with me please. I have an 03 Ranger 4x4 automatic. It seems like the transmission is having trouble shifting gears. Occaionally, the rpm's seems to go higher than normal before it actually shifts gears. The fluid level is fine. I have slightly less than 30,000 miles on the truck, it's due for transmission fluid change at 30k. I have done a fair amount of towing with the vehicle. I have been pretty good about turning off the over drive when towing, but have to admit I did experiment with leaving it in overdrive to see how it would go.

Years ago, I had a different vehicle that was having a similar problem. A mechanic friend advised me to have the pan dropped, clean out filings, tighten bands, and replace fluid. That did the trick back then. Is this still applicable on today's transmissions? Or just what should I do?

Thanks for any help.

 

Have your computer checked for trany codes. The trans is a 5 speed auto and is controlled by computer vs the older trucks. Also do a filter and fluid change on the trans, when the pans down check for debris. PS other emissions devices can mimic trany problems...........