2025 2.3 Start-up CLUNK

[RonEee]

I use that hold feature but I still have the clunk on a regular basis. I've had it happen enough times that I'm convinced it's the transmission.

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[Dave8311]

Since the torque converter in these transmissions can lock in all gears, including 1st, maybe it's the converter unlocking at start up?

 

[Texasota]

Here is an explanation from Ford that was posted in a similar/duplicate thread:

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/transmission-“banging”-noise-and-jerk.28931/post-450529

 

[Ron Quixote]

“Positive drag or rocking sensation at start up while in Park.”

Yeah, it ain’t a “rocking sensation.” It’s a loud effing bang that sounds like the engine is trying to throw a rod. Whatever, I sold the truck so it’s no longer my concern.

 

[Texasota]

Whatever, I sold the truck so it’s no longer my concern.

Wow, I'm guessing there must have been other things you didn't like about your Ranger. For me, the clunk issue is a minor NVH issue for which I have found a very easy workaround to prevent it. I love this truck and would not abandon it for this minor issue.

 

[Muffin1]

While this has only happened two times that i can remember in my Ranger it has in my'25 Bronco many more times with the same 2.3 as the Ranger (if that matters).
In the Ranger i have the ASS bypass installed the Bronco i do not just cause it's a bit more of a hassle to install, requires removing the center console and some of the center lower dash, so i just push the button.
Not sure if the ASS bypass has any effect on this, and honestly I'm not stressing over this that's why i really don't have or keep an actual count I'm just guesstimating.

 

[Texasota]

Not sure if the ASS bypass has any effect on this, and honestly I'm not stressing over this that's why i really don't have or keep an actual count I'm just guesstimating.

Agreed. It is a minor NVH issue that has a simple work around (start in neutral) if one is concerned about it. More important things in life to worry about. The 6G Ranger is a great truck.

 

[Jason B]

My truck is on a start schedule in the App, or I remote start it, so I'm rarely near it when it starts.
I don't know if it does this, nor do I care. I have 125K warranty for things like this.

 

[shane12345]

Trying to figure out if this behavior is normal. On my 2025 2.3, I get a LOUD clunk from the engine bay about 1/4 of the time on start-up. It’s not the engine. It might be the transmission. It almost feels like there’s some part with some kind of clutch (trans?) that has 4 positions, and depending on which position it’s in, the clunk is anywhere from non-existent, to a distant thud, to a CLUNK that you can actually feel if your right foot is on the dead pedal.

Here’s a Reddit thread discussing it. It seems recent, and related to 2025s:


Our local dealer sucks and I’m reluctant to take it to him quite yet. I’d rather get some insight on what’s going on first. Is anyone else experiencing this?

Trying to figure out if this behavior is normal. On my 2025 2.3, I get a LOUD clunk from the engine bay about 1/4 of the time on start-up. It’s not the engine. It might be the transmission. It almost feels like there’s some part with some kind of clutch (trans?) that has 4 positions, and depending on which position it’s in, the clunk is anywhere from non-existent, to a distant thud, to a CLUNK that you can actually feel if your right foot is on the dead pedal.

Here’s a Reddit thread discussing it. It seems recent, and related to 2025s:


Our local dealer sucks and I’m reluctant to take it to him quite yet. I’d rather get some insight on what’s going on first. Is anyone else experiencing this?

2026 2.3 XL with 5000km

happened 5-6 times more faintly since getting it in July. The last time it happened this week was much harder clunk and jerked the truck I felt it in the seat (similar to stalling a manual but with out the vehicle moving)

started recording every start up it’s only happened as a light click on video, can’t find anything specifically that causes it.

I always put in neutral and let the truck rest on park brake before putting transmission in park.

if anyone finds something that causes it to happen let me know so I can replicate it for the dealership. I will be documenting it regardless just for proof in the future.

 

[b-smi91]

My 2025 2.3L does the same thing, and it is worse at times. I suspect it has something to do with auto start/stop transmission auxiliary pump. I do have mine disabled. Is yours? My 2025 2.7L did the same thing. (Ford tech)

 

[saxdogg]

My 2025 2.3L does the same thing, and it is worse at times. I suspect it has something to do with auto start/stop transmission auxiliary pump. I do have mine disabled. Is yours? My 2025 2.7L did the same thing. (Ford tech)

How did you do your disabling?

 

[RonEee]

My 2025 2.3L does the same thing, and it is worse at times. I suspect it has something to do with auto start/stop transmission auxiliary pump. I do have mine disabled. Is yours? My 2025 2.7L did the same thing. (Ford tech)

It has nothing to do with the auto start stop. This phenomena was already answered somewhere on this forum but I can't find a post so Here is the reason for the clunk in the transmission when you start it up. Mine does the same thing. It specifically applies to the 10-speed automatic transmission.

According to official dealer documentation provided to owners experiencing this issue, the transmission applies three clutches while in Park upon starting the engine. It does this in anticipation of you engaging Reverse or Drive. When these three clutches engage, it creates a small, positive drag on the driveline, which causes a brief "clunk" sound or a slight rocking sensation right after a cold start.

Ford explicitly states in their technician service guides that this is normal and desired behavior for the transmission and does not indicate any mechanical failure or damage

 

[artvarck]

This only happens to mine when I start it without first pressing the brake pedal. Since auto trans vehicles used to require pressing the brake before the starter would engage (or maybe still do, depending on variables I’m unaware of), I’m already in the habit, so it’s a non-issue.

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