Driving Your Ranger; Automatic Transmission Operation (4R44E/4R55E) - Ford Ranger Owner's Manual

Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary depending on
which type of transmission your vehicle has.
an Automatic Overdrive Transmission 4R44E/4R55E
a manual transmission
Automatic Transmission Operation
(4R44E/4R55E)
The 4R44E and 4R55E transmissions are electronically controlled
four speed overdrive automatic transmissions with lockup
torque converter. Transmission operation is controlled by the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission operation to
make up for varying conditions. Several sensors located on the
engine and transmission such as throttle position, engine speed,
vehicle speed and transmission temperature are used by the
PCM to shift the transmission into a higher or lower gear when
required for the best performance and fuel economy. For
example, you may notice that the transmission will upshift to a
higher gear more quickly when the vehicle has not reached
normal operating temperature.
The PCM also controls the transmission's Torque Converter
Clutch (TCC) to further raise vehicle performance and fuel
economy. The TCC will engage when the transmission operating
temperature and other conditions determined by the PCM have
been met. Engagement of the clutch may be noted as a decrease
in engine speed.
To help in troubleshooting, the PCM continually performs
self-tests on the electronic control system and, if any faults are
detected, stores them in memory. The Overdrive Off Indicator
Light (O/D OFF), which is located on the instrument cluster,
may flash steadily if a malfunction has been detected. If the
Overdrive Off Indicator Light is flashing, contact your Ford
dealer as soon as possible. If this condition persists, damage to
the transmission could occur.

Driving Your Ranger

155