Ranger transmission leak? Won't engage.

[sully81]

Hi there, 1st timer here. Somewhat mechanically inclined, looking for some advice so I don't get hosed by the repair shop.

I've got a '00 Ford Ranger, 4.0L V6, 4x4, 80,000 miles. No major transmission work ever done, only a sensor replaced back when it was under warranty.

Moved it today to snowblow the driveway (coldest day of the year), got out, noticed a trail of fluid leading under the truck. Later, tried to move it back, I could shift but it wouldn't engage in D, 1, or 2. Reverse worked for a second. 4x4 High didn't, but Low did for a couple minutes, however the dash light still read 4x4 High. No check engine lights, O/D did not flash. All fluids were full, including tranny, but antifreeze was low. There are no engine vacuum leaks as far as I can tell, and the heater is blowing warm air, so I don't think the coolant is leaking anywhere, which would cause the tranny to overheat and rupture a seal.

Leak stops when I shut it off, but as soon as I start up I can see two steady streams of fluid, some of which hitting the cat converter and burning. It's definitely a reddish color, distinct smell. Before this, there was no hard shifting or slippage, no noises and no leak before today, everything was tip top.

Basically I'm wondering where the leak could be coming from, to narrow down the possibilities. If it's a gasket or seal leak, am I correct in thinking this isn't a total rebuild? The transmission operates on a vacuum, which would explain why it suddenly wouldn't move without fluid pressure, correct? Any advice would be welcome, thanks for reading.

Joe

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Your transmission doesn't have a vacuum modulator. It sounds like you broke a cooler line.

 

[sully81]

BrooklynBay,

Are you saying the line may be leaking at the transmission? would this cause the transmission to stop engaging completely?

Or do you mean the coolant is leaking into the transmission, and I'm seeing a leak somewhere else?

Thanks for your help.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Automatic transmissions use hydraulics to change gears, so if you lose fluid, it won't change gears. Check your cooler lines to see if they broke.

 

[sully81]

brooklyn bay,

I managed to get under the truck(we have like 2 feet of snow here), and with it running, I could see where the cooler lines connect to the transmission, and the leak was literally directly below that. It was tough to see, but there was a small circular part, right on the corner of the transmission, right above the corner of the pan, closest to the catalytic converter.

Any ideas as to what this could be or how it can be fixed?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It sounds like the servo covers are leaking. You need an O ring for them. You should replace the servos at the same time when you do this, but make sure that you buy the correct ones. The covers are maked with a code for the code of the servo piston. Don't mix the internal springs up. They are color coded.

 

[sully81]

Brooklyn Bay,

Thanks for your help. After looking at some images online, I think you're right, it's the servo cover.

One other question, the flange/gasket connecting the cat converter with the cat back, do you know what part this is? It's loose now, and obviously making the truck loud, and I know I replaced the same thing on a topaz years ago, I just don't remember what it was or where I found it.

It's right by the servo, and who knows, may have had something to do with this? Anyway, might as well do that too while I'm in there.

Thanks again for your time.

Joe

 

[BrooklynBay]

Do you have a heat shield covering the servos?

 

[sully81]

Yes, I definitely remember a heat shield between the tranny and the converter, but, I also noticed what looked like a circular piece of metal, protruding from where the servo is, almost touching the heat shield. Could this be one of the bands on from the servo?