QuestionHi Erik!
I own a 1997 Ford Ranger with a extended cab, 4.0 V-6, power steering, A/C, ABS, power everything. It has a automatic transmission. The trans is the 5R55E model.
The problem is, when I put my foot on the brake and put it drive or reverse, the truck wants to cut off with a thump. If I just hold the brake lightly and let the truck coast just a little bit,it will stay running. But the rpm's will go down and then back up again. And at a complete stop with my foot on the brake (rpm's around 700 to 1000....the rpm's go up and down), I can feel the truck kind of pulling- almost like there is a mechanicial connection in the trans.
The engine seems to run fine. At first I thought it might be a bad IAC motor, but after checking some things, I'm not sure if the problem is in the engine. I am suspecting the transmission has a problem, but I am not sure yet.
Also, the A/C compressor clutch cuts on and off when I run the heat. (the truck just has plain old manual heat controls) Should it do that? I would think it should only run when I use the A/C. I know the A/C clutch is controlled by the PCM. Could the PCM be bad?
Do any of these problems sound familier? Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I do have some experience with older model automatic transmissions, so I should be able to understand your diagnosis.
I'm also wondering if Ford had a lot of problems with the 5R55E.
Thanks for the help!
Colin
AnswerHello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
It sounds like your transmission will be needing a rebuild. I think the Low/Rev. sprag is shot, and that's in the back of the case. I would suggest that you bring it to a transmission shop or the dealer for a repair.
As far as the A/C goes, with the engaging and disengaging, is the selection knob in the Defrost position when it does this? If it is, then that is normal. If it isn't, I would suggest that you have the PCM taken a look at to check it for codes and or upgrades.
Hope this helps,
Erik
