2020 Ranger XLT Transmission issues - dealer says it shifts and drives fine?

[Tann3rth3hamm3r]

You have 2 issues. The TSB to fix the shudder likely won't work (I have a 2020 and it didn't work for me). The issue is there is no lubrication on the driveshaft splines. I paid a mechanic about $75 CDN to do it and used special duty Molly grease.

Secondly, leave the vehicle overnight and have them test drive the vehicle in the morning with no warm up. Just drive it. I had the same issue with my dealer till I had them do this and then they witnessed the harsh shifting right away. There were multiple issues with my trans when they opened it up (burnt clutch rings, hairline crack in plastic trans pan, CDF drum defective, failed pressure test). Worst comes to worst you pay to have them do the pressure test and it will fail then the repair is covered under warranty. Tell them there is a TSB on it as well and provide the number.

Lastly, I would strongly suggest you change out the DPFE sensor. It is a cheap part that is easy to replace and makes a word of difference in driving smoothness.

Good luck!

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[waynejaynes81]

I appreciate everyone's suggestions so far. Actually I didn't expect quite so much feedback so I am pleasantly surprised. Yesterday while I had time between jobs I did go to a local dealer and drive a a '21 Ranger and a '25 Ranger.

The '21 Ranger:
It exhibited the same take off shudder mine has, so I assume that issue hasn't been fixed yet on the test drive vehicle. I also only noticed a couple of loud shifts. Even with the windows down against a building and curb 98% of the shift noise I hear in my truck was barely audible with the test vehicle. I did *not* experience the rocking back and forth feeling of coming to a stop like I do in my truck.

Does anyone have any insight on what might be causing it to shift so loudly and if that's a problem? Two links below for examples from someone else, but even with my windows up it's pretty loud:

The '25 Ranger:
I was under the impression that the '25 Ranger also had the 10R80, but after some looking around it looks like maybe it has the 10R60 instead. What I can say is that strangely I did notice a bit of shudder on takeoff in a brand new vehicle, but absent were the other issues I'm experiencing in my Ranger. Coming to a stop was nice and smooth and I did not feel like I was rocking back and forth with each downshift like in my truck. My only "uh oh" moment was when it did a hard 3 to 4 shift out of nowhere, but it only did it once.

I also greatly appreciated the fact that the window controls were in a normal human's arm position on the door unlike my current Ranger, lol! Now when I get into a different car and try to roll the windows down I'm always hitting the rear windows by accident because the buttons are so far back on the armrest in my truck, lol.

I will get back with the service center on checking some of the other points that have been mentioned. I will follow up when I have more info.

 

[waynejaynes81]

I have reached out to the dealer with some of the updated informaiton that you guys brought to my attention, including an active TSB 25-2134 for my VIN from Ford's own website. Hopefully that will get some traction. I will go up and drive it Monday. It's about 30 minutes away.

I did have one quick question. Has anyone else noticed painfully slow roll-up on the passenger side windows? It takes forever to get the windows up. I'm wondering if replacing the regulators would fix that?

 

[waynejaynes81]

I think it's time to take it to a different dealership. They did fix TSB, 20-2277 under warranty, and it *is* somewhat better, but still seems to do it. I suppose it could be part of another issue but I may take Tann3rth3hamm3r's suggestion of havintg the driveshaft splines lubricated at some point.

I had them turn the rotors to fix a vibration issue when braking on the highway which they also did, and I had them do an ABS bleed to fix the mushy brake pedal. I am on the fence if that really did much. I also had them balance the tires. However when I drove it home it shook enough I was pissed all the way home. For now I'm going to drive it a bit and see how it does because my daughter's car had to go in for either a clutch or another TCM ('13 Focus) so once hers is fixed I'll put mine back in. So far it appears the remainder of my list of gripes remains...

 

[Tann3rth3hamm3r]

I think it's time to take it to a different dealership. They did fix TSB, 20-2277 under warranty, and it *is* somewhat better, but still seems to do it. I suppose it could be part of another issue but I may take Tann3rth3hamm3r's suggestion of havintg the driveshaft splines lubricated at some point.

I had them turn the rotors to fix a vibration issue when braking on the highway which they also did, and I had them do an ABS bleed to fix the mushy brake pedal. I am on the fence if that really did much. I also had them balance the tires. However when I drove it home it shook enough I was pissed all the way home. For now I'm going to drive it a bit and see how it does because my daughter's car had to go in for either a clutch or another TCM ('13 Focus) so once hers is fixed I'll put mine back in. So far it appears the remainder of my list of grips remains...

That TSB will not fix your issues. You need the latest transmission TSB and there may be another one that replaces the driveshaft and the rear flange is swapped out with the one from the Tremor. There are a few threads on this.

Guaranteed those driveshaft splines are near dry. Getting them lubed is the cheapest and easiest way. The alternative is the Tom Woods driveshaft for $700 US.

 

[waynejaynes81]

I know it won't fix my other transmission issues but it was at least a part of my list of complaints. I am pretty sure I need them to address TSB 25-2134. It's getting them to do it that's the issue, because according to them "it drives fine"...facepalm...

 

[5thranger]

I know it won't fix my other transmission issues but it was at least a part of my list of complaints. I am pretty sure I need them to address TSB 25-2134. It's getting them to do it that's the issue, because according to them "it drives fine"...facepalm...

I hate it when they say that. They can be in the vehicle with you while it is doing it and they will still say it. That is why I traded my Frontier in on my Ranger it had very noticeable rear diff noise and said we do not hear it.

 

[Tann3rth3hamm3r]

I know it won't fix my other transmission issues but it was at least a part of my list of complaints. I am pretty sure I need them to address TSB 25-2134. It's getting them to do it that's the issue, because according to them "it drives fine"...facepalm...

If they won't do it you should pay to have them do the hydraulic pressure test because it will fail and then they have to do it. At first they told me mine was fine then I told them to keep it overnight and try it cold in the morning with no warm up and they witnessed it right away.

 

[waynejaynes81]

That TSB will not fix your issues. You need the latest transmission TSB and there may be another one that replaces the driveshaft and the rear flange is swapped out with the one from the Tremor. There are a few threads on this.

Guaranteed those driveshaft splines are near dry. Getting them lubed is the cheapest and easiest way. The alternative is the Tom Woods driveshaft for $700 US.

If you know a couple of these threads that may apply to me can you link them? I'm trying not to go too far down the rabbit hole but I really love my truck except for these issues and I just want it to be right.

 

[Chris M]

That TSB will not fix your issues. You need the latest transmission TSB and there may be another one that replaces the driveshaft and the rear flange is swapped out with the one from the Tremor. There are a few threads on this.

Guaranteed those driveshaft splines are near dry. Getting them lubed is the cheapest and easiest way. The alternative is the Tom Woods driveshaft for $700 US.

I think THIS is what is happening with mine, as I'm actually getting a whole driveshaft assembly along with my transmission rebuild. All covered by warranty.

 

[JimG_AZ]

I think THIS is what is happening with mine, as I'm actually getting a whole driveshaft assembly along with my transmission rebuild. All covered by warranty.

How many miles are on your truck? Which dealer is doing the work?

 

[Chris M]

How many miles are on your truck? Which dealer is doing the work?

45,000
Surprise Ford.

 

[JimG_AZ]

45,000
Surprise Ford.

That is pretty bad that you need that kind of work done at 45k miles.

 

[Chris M]

That is pretty bad that you need that kind of work done at 45k miles.

Agreed.
But I'm danged glad to be getting it done before warranty is out. And before maybe things got so bad I felt it necessary to trade out of the Ranger. I'd really like it to be my last truck because it's paid for and because it's a really nice truck overall.

 

[waynejaynes81]

I am now working with my local Ford dealer on these issues. And I added a picture of my blue beauty!

The previous dealer said it (my daughter's '13 Focus) will need a new clutch although it's "not too bad". Damn thing will give you whiplash. Anyway, they wanted $3,000 for a clutch job so I said no thanks.

I will put my truck back in next week at the local dealer and we will see how it goes. It's a large chain dealer so I'm not holding my breath.

I'm also going to have them look at/replace the DPFE sensor assembly. I got to reading that when the circuitry gets water in it the result can be the bucking between 30 and 50Mph that I've dealt with. It's also supposed to be less boggy and easier to get it to shift and accelerate out of low gear. Should be the following parts:

• LB5Z-9J433-B - DPFE Sensor assembly
• LB5Z-9E469-B - Inlet tube
• LB5Z-9E464-B - Gasket
• LB5Z-8527-A - Seal
• LB5Z-9E464-C - Gasket

So hoping for a better outcome this time around. I've got my fingers, toes, eyes, and cheeks crossed, lol. Don't ask how to cross your cheeks!

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