18th Feb 2009, 13:25

I own a 2000 Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 4x4 and have replaced a few things on it: (thermostat, both wheel cylinders, idler pulley, brakes, etc.) When the truck is running good, I love it, but every time I turn around, something messes up.

This morning I started the truck, put it in reverse and it didn't go into gear. Engine revved up as if it was in park. It did that in every gear I tried. Believe it's the transmission, but I haven't had time to look at it. I have a bad feeling though.

18th Feb 2009, 19:09

Bought a 2000 XLT Ranger 4x4 with 65,000 on it.

Regular oil and lube changes.

Had the 105,000 service done at dealership, soon there after, about 110,000 miles, yup the O/D light started flashing and didn't seem to want to get into second gear readily when coming off stop. It would make a jerking "clunk" when it moved into the next gear. Dealership says they recommend a rebuilt Ford tranny at 3,700 bucks! It's only seen highway driving and east forest road use.

I had an 88 standard Ranger that I bought in '91 and it was very low maintenance, drove it til 06 when I bought this 4.0 v 6. Service manager at the dealership tells me it's not the norm to see tranny problems with these XLTs (good one!)

23rd Mar 2009, 20:56

Thanks to each and every review about the pattern of transmission issues with the Ford Ranger. Totaled my little 92 Mazda and considered a Ford until I was enlightened by the frustration many of you have expressed. Wow, I was so close to getting a major headache!

28th Jun 2009, 16:02

I have a 2000 Ranger XLT Super Cab. Bought it used with about 14,000 miles. on it. At about 75,000 miles had to have the transmission rebuilt. Then just last week with about 90,000 miles on it, I had to have the transmission rebuilt again. Have checked recall notices and various sources to see if I have any recourse, but there doesn't seem to be anything I can do to recover the over $4400.- I have sunk into the transmission alone.

In many ways this truck has served me well, but when it doesn't, it costs me a bundle.

Anybody have any suggestions? Crosby.

17th Sep 2009, 18:20

I just bought a 2000 V6 4.0 Ford Ranger with 130000 miles on it. I did everything on this thing - I flushed everything power steering, brakes, rear end, radiator block and oil. Got all brand new seals and top notch fluids. I installed the K&N cold air intake system...

Tranny is now making a noise like a concrete mixer, but only in park. When I put it into drive, it quits, but when the truck shifts, it is a hard shift between 1st and 2nd. I talked with a GM master mechanic, and he told me this was very common for these things, and that the torque converters are under built. I am going to be replacing the torque converter and flywheel this weekend. If this doesn't work, I am buying an after market transmission from B&M. It is built for high torque like racing and dirt...

Wow, it seems like Ford is back pedaling a lot and not taking the responsibility on this one... Hmmmmm, I trust my GM master mechanic, he has been one for over 45 yrs and he can tell you a problem with your motor or trans over the phone... Thanks doc pop, love ya...

5th Dec 2009, 16:05

My 2000 Ford Ranger XLT's O/D Off light came on flashing today. Immediately the gears started shifting rough. Once I started down the on-ramp, the Check Engine light came on. I have since drove the truck 15 miles back home and I am seeking a solution (preferably an inexpensive one). During my search I came across a LOT of posts on Ford Explorers having the same exact problems. This issue with Fords transmissions obviously isn't an isolated incident, and there MUST be a recall! If anyone has any information, PLEASE e-mail me. djdewick@gmail.com

18th Mar 2010, 16:45

Sounds like something is wrong with the trucks charging system. Perhaps a faulty alternator? By the way, the clicking you're hearing is just the starter solenoid.

29th Aug 2010, 06:41

Check the ground wire coming from the driver's side of the engine block up to the firewall. Had that happen to mine on the expressway... when I popped the hood, the bolt holding the ground wire to the block was loose and almost completely out.

BTW... I have a 2000 Ranger 4X4 XLT... bought it brand new and I have 223,000 miles on it... still have the original battery and starter!!! Had a freeze-plug rust out, resulting in a blown engine in 2006.

Now, the transmission is all but gone... I am going to get rid of it as soon as I can find someone who needs a "project truck".

11th Dec 2010, 23:05

I purchased my 2000 Ford Ranger new in 1999, and now have 722,000 miles on it. The engine and 5 spd auto tranny are original, never had a single problem with either. This is my work truck, and has seen more abuse than I can say, from pulling stock trailers to beating through mountain trails. Would never buy another GM again, after owning this truck.

20th Dec 2010, 12:22

Having the same problems with a 2000 Ford Ranger, transmission will not shift out of low range to second gear without hesitation and then very hard. OD lite was on then went off. I have already replaced the rear end solenoid.

Any suggestions?

30th Jan 2011, 14:23

I bought a one owner 2000 Ford Ranger XLT Flareside automatic RWD in May 2010 with 76000 miles. The truck was pampered by the original owner and I have owned plenty of Fords in the past, (Gran Torino, Escort, Escape, Taurus), but this little number is a full on LEMON! Besides being a gas hog, the transmission went out at 86,000 with hardly a warning, I was literally sitting in a parking lot when reverse went out, then forward, final cost for a rebuild, $1350.00. I tried finding a junk yard replacement to save money, but thanks to cash for clunkers, there are nary any transmissions to be had. I should have researched prior to purchase.