2021 Ford Ranger Lariat 2.3L EcoBoost 1st gear stalling/sluggish

[Jckprklee]

Hello, I’ve noticed lately that when I first start up the truck and head out, the first gear seems to stall or be real sluggish when switching up. It’s not throwing any check engine lights, and only seems to be the first gear. Any advice?

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[RangerBill]

Hello, I’ve noticed lately that when I first start up the truck and head out, the first gear seems to stall or be real sluggish when switching up. It’s not throwing any check engine lights, and only seems to be the first gear. Any advice?

Is the engine losing power or is the transmission slipping when it shifts out of first?

 

[airline tech]

This is normal when the temps dip down to the 30's (in winter) and it feels like the transmission is slipping, it will be a gentle (bump) feeling.
This is caused by the (Thermal By-Pass) and the fluid routing in the fluid cooler.
Basically, it's the cold transmission fluid temp and will show itself if you just jump in and drive without letting the truck idle and warm up.
You will also note it is only the first (shift) starting out, then all is good thereafter.

If you are experiencing a different behavior, then it could tie into the DPFE Buck Surge.

 

[Dhouse]

Hello, I’ve noticed lately that when I first start up the truck and head out, the first gear seems to stall or be real sluggish when switching up. It’s not throwing any check engine lights, and only seems to be the first gear. Any advice?

Mine does the same. When you start it up and put it in drive, it doesn't want to move. Takes some gas to get it going. Sounds like Airline has it pegged.

 

[Dereku]

Only on 35 and lower temps I use remote start while I tie my shoes. Solves the problem for me.

 

[Ranger_Rocks]

Do you have the correct fluid level ?

 

[Big Blue]

Only on 35 and lower temps I use remote start while I tie my shoes. Solves the problem for me.

Yeah, the first start in the morning it take a little time to get the fluid that drained down overnight back where it needs to be. And get the pressures back up for the clutches. Just get in start the truck. Then buckle up, turn off ASS, adjust your tunes, do your preflight checklist, the put in gear. Yes the remote start in colder weather helps. These transmissions don't like cold or being rushed first thing in the morning. Kind of like us humans. ?

 

[PowerTools]

My 2020 has done this forever. Two dealers told me that you should let the truck idle until the RPMs drop. Absolutely feels like a waste of fuel but especially when it's cooler out it's noticeably smoother on that first shift. I just started cranking the truck from the phone app while I'm putting on shoes in the house.

 

[Tann3rth3hamm3r]

It is likely your CDF Drum in the transmission. Just got mine essentially overhauled with the new TSB and it is now totally fine in the cold. I'm in northern Canada. If you don't do the TSB the transmission may fail prematurely.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

It is likely your CDF Drum in the transmission. Just got mine essentially overhauled with the new TSB and it is now totally fine in the cold. I'm in northern Canada. If you don't do the TSB the transmission may fail prematurely.

My new transmission also does not do the cold thing anymore. The latest TSB has two different checks dependent upon temperature.

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