Ford dealer says Ford corp. would not pay for repair/replacement because the truck has a plow on it. The transmission error codes are for 3rd, 4th and 5th gears. The ONLY gears that are good are the two you plow in. Guess you should plow in higher gears. Really the small amount of snow this truck has moved could not explain the tranny pooping the bed so quickly. The transmission developed this issue after towing about 1500-1800 lbs at highway speeds for 3.5 hrs. I recommend that all Ford F150 and Ranger owners keep plowing with your trucks (even though it voids your warranty). But make sure you remove your tow hitch because these trucks really are not designed for towing. Oh and if you develop transmission problems after plowing make sure to remove the complete unit before having Ford install that rebuilt transmission. And do not even attempt to buy a new transmission because Ford does not sell them.

The new Ford sedan was on the plate but no amount of rebate can help this soured heart of mine. When the Koreans build the truck on a frame I may be the first in line. Meanwhile the Korean sedan is looking sweet and the big three gets the bailout on our tax dollars. Buy American??? Doubtful

My 2007 Ranger started shifting very erratically at about 18K miles. The Ford dealer where I bought it found error codes for 3rd,4th and 5th gears. They told me likely gears were "totally gone" and probably needed a new transmission to the tune of $3140. Because I have a little lightweight plow installed they claimed it was not covered under warranty and that it would take a number of hours, (maybe $800. worth), in order to fully evaluate the problem. I opted to try and locate a transmission on my own. After ordering a trans from GotEngines.com for $1300 I decided to call another Ford dealer to see what they had to say. Ford Dealer #2, who incidentally is a dealer / installer of this exact plow, stated that installing this plow on a 2007 Ranger would not void the Ford warranty. IF THE WARRANTY IS VOIDED BY THIS PLOW INSTALLATION THAN DEALER #2 IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLING AN UNAPPROVED MODIFICATION AND VOIDING PEOPLES WARRANTY AND MAKING MONEY DOING SO. So I think to myself 3rd-5th gears are "totally gone" yet, you only plow in first and second and the dealer blames the plow. I told the dealer that the problem began when I was towing a small load down the highway,(plow sitting in my driveway). Now that I pointed out the lack of conformity to my dealer, they are revisiting the situation. And their Customer Relations Warranty (Manager?) asked if I would accept a rebuilt transmission installed for the price of the one I bought, (if he can pull some strings). My real beef is - is this covered under Ford Warranty or not? If it is not show, me in writing and notify all dealers of their written policy. Also make it clear in all customer warranty information packs, that installing a plow on Rangers, Explorers, F150's etc will void Ford warranties as these vehicles do not come from the factory with a snow plow prep package. I am waiting to see what Dealer #1's next move will be. If they install a Ford rebuilt trans at no cost, I would continue to be a Ford man. If they charge $1300 I will be fairly dissatisfied as I will now have to liquidate the brand new trans (12 miles on it). And if they do nothing then I will be an extremely unpleased former Ford man. Additionally currently, Ford dealers #1 or #2 are vacillating and politicking about what constitutes proper Ford Dealer ethics. That being, installing products that void Ford warranties and speaking with a forked tongue. What will it be Ford (dealers). Given the current market, the unwritten policy and the lack of corporate dealer training I would venture to say that Ford Motor Co. would eat this little tranny and define corporate policies for continued product consistency, conformity and customer relations.

Update from Oct 1, 2009: Dealer who sold the truck to me back peddled. After I presented the conflict of interest in that Ford dealers install this plow on Rangers, the dealer covered the work of overhauling the transmission. Customer Warranty Relations Manager was extremely friendly, helpful and cooperative. It is a little sad the way it played out because I needed to purchase another truck while waiting. And I still have a brand new (salvage) transmission. I would much rather of had an F250 sitting in the drive. Maybe next time. Meanwhile the Ranger is still operating OK.