2002 Ford Ranger Automatic transmission slow to engage

2002 FORD RANGER
108,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BSMART
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When taking off for the first time after the vehicle has sat for some time, the transmission usually engages and vehicle drives normally, but if you stop for a moment for any reason, the transmission may not reengage for a few moments. If you wait and take you foot off the gas a moment, then try to reaccelerate the transmission will engage and move vehicle forward. No other actions taken, just remove foot from the accelerator, wait a moment, then press the gas again, and the transmission works. It seems to only do this after the vehicle has sat unused for a few hours. On some occasions it does this when you first want to take off.
The problem started about 6 months ago around 100k miles. It was happening rarely, but now seems to be getting more frequent. What do you think is wrong?
Nov 19, 2014 at 2:43 PM
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HMAC300
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if you an check your trans fluid do so it may be low. Otherwise have a trans guy look at it as it may be a seal gone bad
Nov 19, 2014 at 2:59 PM
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BSMART
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What is the proper way to check the fluid level on the 2002 Ford Ranger? I had a new transmission filter and fluid exchange done on this vehicle right at 100k miles. I haven't checked the fluid level since then. thanks.
Nov 19, 2014 at 9:14 PM
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HMAC300
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pull the dipstick out with trans in park when hot. if fluid level is between add and full mark normally it has what looks like a bunch of x's on it then it's at proper level. if fluid color is dark brown or black go straight to a trans shop because there is something seriously wrong inside.
Nov 20, 2014 at 6:27 AM
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BSMART
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I checked the transmission fluid level as you described. The fluid level is at or slightly above the FULL mark. The fluid is almost clear, maybe a 'tinge' of yellow tint. I smelled it and there's very little smell to it.
What else can be checked? Are there any sensors on the transmission that may cause a problem? thank you.
Nov 23, 2014 at 6:13 PM
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HMAC300
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fluid level is ok from what you say and best thing for sensors to be checked you need a scanner although I think there is an underlying problem so have a trans guy look at it.
Nov 24, 2014 at 6:27 AM