1. No events leading to failure. 2. While trying to back out of a parking space the vehicle went forward. No damage was done to vehicle or property. The automatic transmission shift cable failed. It was worn thru do to contact with the exhaust pipe. 3. The automatic transmission cable was replaced with ford f57z7e395a. The broken cable is available.
1996 Ford Ranger transmission problems
28 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 28
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission7
- Manual transmission4
- Clutch assembly4
- Driveline: driveshaft3
- Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift3
- Transfer case (4-wheel drive)2
- Clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)2
- Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Ranger transmission problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1996 Ford Ranger owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Truck was taken for east ford (dealer) for transmission maintenance. The od light and reverse lights failed from that point on. Truck taken back 4/16/2001 for same, dealer says wiring in steering/shifter is rubbed and requires shifter replacment.
While driving and when attempting to accelerate while vehicle was in low gear, it popped out of gear into neutral. Also, when shifting gears vehicle was making a noise. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has replaced clutch, and has stated that manual transmission needed to be replaced. *ak dealer also replaced first gear syncro, blocker ring, and third gear blocker ring. Heater would not blow hot air, dealer replaced thermostat. Tail pipe was hitting spare tire causing noise, dealer repositioned tail pipe.
While driving the vehicle has high engine RPM between 1600 to 2200. Not safe to drive on icy road conditons. Consumer concerned about long term wear and tear on clutch, transmission and rear axle. Dealership is aware of problem.
The gear shift cable was melted because of its proximity to the exhaust system, according to the repair shop. I have the part which clearly shows heat caused the failure. I called ford customer service and my dealer service department. I was told it was a "freak" occurance and not to worry ablut it.
I don't understand how after 4 years of owning the vehicle with only 45,000 miles on it that the carrier bearing was shot. I was also told that by the mechanic, who was also told that by the dealership when he called to replace the part. If it is a manufacturer defect I would really appreciate knowing.. Thank you.
Speedometer failed to operate. Dealer in yuba city, ca as well as speedometer specialty shop (speedometer electric in yuba city, (530) 742-2611) confirmed that they have seen the same failure (wild fluctuation leading to total failure) in numerous windstars and other ford models. The dealer said it was not uncommon to see the speedometer go out in this vehicle. After talking with the dealer, speedometer electric owner , and finally a ford customer service representative, I am convinced that there is a defect in either materials or workmanship. The cost of the part alone is $333.33. Including labor, I paid $417.49 for a part that should not have gone out, especially at the relatively low mileage on this van. I sent two letters to ford (october 22, 1999, and november 19, 1999) and only got a generic post card in return saying they tried but were unsuccessful in contacting me (although my wife stays at home and we have an answering machine). The dealer I took it to for initial diagnosis was geweke ford in yuba city, ca (530) 821-2121. Date: 23 august 1999. Customer # 971976. Service advisor scott babler said it was the speedometer, not the cable because he had seen many similar problems. I strongly believe there should be an investigation into possibly recalling this vehicle and others with the same speedometer unit. Please help. Thank you, robert a. Schoenberg.
When traveling the pivot bracket which is attached to the firewall has broken, causing unwanted acceleration, resulting in a near crash. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has made repairs. Please provide any further details.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
Transfer case would not engage 4wd in snowy conditions
Questions about the 1996 Ford Ranger transmission
Does the 1996 Ford Ranger have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 28 complaints about the transmission of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 7% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Ranger transmission problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Ford Ranger transmission?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Ford Ranger have bad transmission?
The Ford Ranger model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (92 complaints), 2000 (69 complaints) and 1999 (67 complaints).
Other 1996 Ford Ranger problems
Brakes 69Visibility 52Tires 41Electrical 38Fuel system 35Acceleration 34Engine 33Lights 30Seat belts 26Airbags 25Suspension 22Steering 17Body 10Seats 6Locks 3Wheels 3
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