2023 FORD Ranger Transmission Guidelines

The transmission of the 2023 Ford Ranger is tucked away in the complex gears of the vehicle. It is a moving part that makes power and performance work together smoothly. The transmission is a key part of the car because it turns the power from the engine into movement while maximizing fuel economy and response. Most Rangers have automatic transmissions, which use a complex set of gears and boost to adapt to different driving situations. With features like selectable drive modes and the ability to change gears by hand, the transmission can become a way for the driver to control the car and make it fit the road ahead. Whether the 2023 Ford Ranger is used for daily commutes or off-road activities, its transmission will make sure that the engine’s power and the driver’s intentions work together in a way that is precise, flexible, and exciting.

Transmission

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING: Always fully apply the parking brake and make sure you shift into park (P). Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

WARNING: Do not apply the brake pedal and accelerator pedal simultaneously. Applying both pedals simultaneously for more than a few seconds will limit engine performance, which may result in difficulty maintaining speed in traffic and could lead to serious injury.

Note: A cold engine has a higher idle speed. This increases the tendency for your vehicle to creep when you have selected a drive gear.

Transmission Selector Lever Positions

• P. Park.
• R. Reverse.
• N. Neutral.
• D. Drive.
• S. Sport mode and manual shifting.

To select a position, depress the button (1) then pull back on the selector lever (2) to engage reverse (R), neutral (N) or drive (D). To select sport mode, first engage drive (D), depress button (1) and then pull back on the selector lever (2). The current gear displays in the instrument panel.

Park (P)
Note: To move the transmission selector lever from park (P), apply the brake with the ignition key in position II.

Note: An audible warning sounds if you open the driver door and you have not moved the selector lever to park (P). The battery saver deactivates the audible warning after a period of time.

In this position, there is no power transmitted to the driven wheels, and the transmission locks. You can start the engine with the transmission selector lever in this position.

Reverse (R)
Shift the selector lever to reverse (R) to allow your vehicle to move backward.

In this position, there is no power transmitted to the driven wheels, but the transmission does not lock. You can start the engine with the transmission selector lever in this position.

Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for the best fuel economy and smoothness. Shift the transmission selector lever to drive (D) to allow your vehicle to move forward and shift through the forward gears.
The transmission shifts to the appropriate gear for optimum performance based on ambient temperature, road slope, vehicle load and your input.

Sport Mode (S)
Switch on sport mode by shifting the transmission selector lever to sport (S). In sport (S), the transmission selects the optimum gear for best performance. This gear selection is typically lower than that of drive (D), and the shifts are faster.

Tow Mode
To switch on tow mode, press the button on the center console until tow mode is active. The indicator light illuminates in the instrument cluster when the system becomes active.
The tow mode feature:

• Moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting.
• Provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a slope.
• Depending on driving conditions and load conditions, may downshift the transmission, slow your vehicle and control your vehicle speed when descending a hill, without pressing the accelerator pedal. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based upon the amount you press the brake pedal.

The tow mode feature improves transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when using tow mode.
To switch off the tow mode feature and return to normal driving mode, press the button on the center console twice. The indicator light turns off when the system turns off. Tow mode also turns off when you power down your vehicle.

SelectShift™ Automatic Transmission
This feature gives you the ability to change gears up or down as desired.
If the engine speed does not exceed the maximum allowable limit, the vehicle allows the downshifts. SelectShift automatically downshifts at low engine speeds to prevent engine stalls.

Note: Engine damage could occur if you maintain excessive engine revving without shifting.
Select Shift does not automatically upshift, even if the engine is approaching the RPM limit.
For 10 speed transmissions – with the transmission selector lever in sport (S) position:

• Press the (+) button on the transmission selector lever to upshift.
• Press the (-) button on the transmission selector lever to downshift.

To exit this mode, return the transmission selector lever to drive (D).
When your vehicle is stationary, you can only select the 1st and 2nd gears. Manual shifting is sequential. Therefore, you cannot skip gears.

Progressive Range Selection
This system gives you the ability to lockout gears from the automatic shifting range. This could provide you with an improved driving experience for example, in slippery conditions or when experiencing a steep slope.
With the transmission in drive (D), press the – button to active progressive range selection. The instrument cluster indicates the available and selected gears.
All available gears display with the current gear indicated. Press the – button again to lock out gears beginning with the highest gear. For example, press the – button or twice to lock out 10th and 9th gears. Only the available gears display, and the transmission shifts between the available gears. Press the + button to unlock gears to allow the transmission to shift to higher gears. The transmission shifts within the gear range you select.

Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNING: When doing this procedure, you need to take the transmission out of park (P) which means your vehicle can roll freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully apply the parking brake prior to doing this procedure. Use wheels chocks if appropriate.

WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Note: Some markets disable this feature.
Your vehicle has a feature that prevents moving the gearshift lever from park (P) when the ignition is on and you do not press the brake pedal. The system requires service if you cannot move the gearshift lever out of park (P) with the ignition on and the brake pedal pressed. It is possible that a fuse has blown, or your vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. See Fuses .
If the fuse has not blown and the brake lamps are properly working, the following procedure allows you to move the selector lever from park (P):
Note: See an authorized dealer as soon as possible if you use this procedure.

10 Speed Transmission
Apply the parking brake and switch the ignition off before performing this procedure.

1. Insert a screwdriver between the shifter boot material and the trim ring (1) to release the retainer tabs from the top panel trim ring.
2. Lift the shifter boot (2) upwards.
   
3. Locate the lower white lever (3) on the side of the transmission selector lever.
4. Using the screwdriver, move the lower white lever (3) toward the front of the transmission selector lever.
5. When holding the lower white lever (3) in the forward position, move the transmission selector lever out of the park (P) position and into another gear.

Automatic Transmission Adaptive Learning
This feature may increase durability and provide consistent shift feel over the life of your vehicle. A new vehicle or transmission may have firm shifts, soft shifts or both. This operation is normal and does not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process fully updates transmission operation.

FAQ