Noise when shifting - 99 XLT 4x4 5spd auto

[Jeff_Jeske]

When I shift from park to reverse or reverse to drive I get this loud "plick" sound as the tranny engages.

Does anyone else have this problem with the 3rd generation rangers 98-00?

Has anyone gotten a recal for this?

Has anyone found a fix (better fluids???)

Ford told me it was normal but it sure doesn't sound normal to me.

Any info / links would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Turner55]

on my mom's windstar whenever she shifts from park to anything when the vehicle is kind of on an incline it sounds really like something is breaking in there. it makes you cringe everytime you take it out of park when you're on the slightest incline. ford says its normal, but we all know ford...

 

[Jim F]

This is just a thought.

I have always put the parking brake on before putting the vehicle in park this way the weight of the vehicle is not on the park mechanism. This only works if the parking brake is in working order and can hold the weight of the vehicle even on an incline.

My next door neighbor has a 95 or 96 Explorer that he parks on an inclined driveway and I know he never uses the parking brake. When he takes it out of park to backup, it sound like the tranny is going to fall out.

Oh one other thing, it is a parking brake not an emergency brake.

Like I said before, this is just a thought and about 1 1/2 cents.

 

[Jeff_Jeske]

It happens when going from reverse to drive

not just when I am going from park to drive/reverse

 

[Scott B.]

Are you sure the sound is from your transmission? Check your u-joints. Make sure they are tight, look to ensure the seals are intact. They probably are "permanently greased", but if not, grease them.

 

[Jeff_Jeske]

checked the U's

I did check the U's and all is fine. Almost certain it is coming from my tranny.

This is a 99 4.0 5 speed auto with only 13,000 on it.

It started making the noise at 8000 miles. I am going to take it to FORD three times (3 different ford dealers) have have them listen to it and get documentation on it just in case the thing sh1ts out on me after warranty expires.

Still if any other 98-00 owner have this problem please let me know if you have the same problem.

Also did you see the new 2001 ranger? Looks like the new explorer...it is fricking beautifull...kinda pisses me off I wish I would have waited and kept my 94 longer...

Actually I liked my 94 XLT 4X4 better than my 99 I'm kinda disappointed with the 99.

 

[Scott B.]

One other thought is to give the tranny a fluid and filter change. You have 13K miles - it's almost time. Possibly you have some junk floating around in there.

I don't know if the dealer will do this for you - if they refuse, I would do it and not mention it to them.