94 Ranger with 5 speed. When cold I can back up , but when I try to put transmission into any fwd. gear it won't go into gear unless I shut off and restart engine and then I'm good for the day Help!!!

The 1-2 shift solenoid valve on a Saturn Vue 3.6 is typically located in the transmission. The exact location of the solenoid valve can vary depending on the year and model of the vehicle, but it is commonly found inside the transmission's valve body. The valve body is the area of the transmission that houses the shift valves and controls the flow of transmission fluid to control the gear shifts.
It's important to note that accessing and replacing a shift solenoid valve on a transmission can be a difficult and complex task that requires special tools and knowledge. It is not recommended to attempt this repair unless you have experience working on transmissions and have the proper tools and equipment. It's also important to consult the Saturn Vue 3.6 service manual or a professional mechanic or transmission specialist to have the proper steps and safety procedures to follow.

Maybe gear box heating up would check fluid level

Check speed sensor at transmission.

I am assuming you have the 2.3 liter 4cylinder engine.. This is common in all rangers straight out of the factory with that motor. Your asking alot out of a 4 cylinder truck that also get good gas mileage. they just do not have the capacity to gain speed up a hill. There are a few solutions for you that you could try. If it is a 5 speed manual transmission try to speed up before the hill and when you start losing speed go to 4th gear. this is also good for using as a passing gear as im sure you have noticed you lack power when trying to rapidly accelerate at highway speed to pass. an aftermarket cold air intake combined with a less restrictive exuast will give you anywhere from 5-20 hp gain AND give you more MPG's

Or you can buy a light truck with a v6 or v8 in it. rangers can be equipped with v6 as can chevy s10's. dodge dakotas have the availability of small block v8. this is of course will cost you alot in gas (based on experience) I am a 10 yr mechanic and have owned 2- 4 cylinder rangers a 93 and a 94 my dakota which i still own is a 01

indicates a problem in the spigot bush in the crank shaft
it is dry and when it heats up , it is seizing on the input shaft(clutch shaft) of the transmission
up shifting is fairly easy as the hear synchro's do the job along with correct engine rpm
down shift overloads the synchro action unless you increase the rpm to match the ration to road speed

Get that from ATSG.Com or local
trans parts supplier, that the shops buy from

Well, there are to easy methods. First try going through the gears. If there are 6 gears, then it is a 5 speed (5 fwd, 1 rev) if there are 5 gears then it is a 4 speed.

You can also use the VIN to determine the originally installed transmission. There are many sites to decode the options of your VIN

Have your transmission oil filter changed;
it is located under the transmission pan
The oil is what makes the transmission shift
When you shut off the engine it stops the transmission pump then when you start up again the transmission shifts until the filter clogs again

There is a rubber plug on the bottom of the transmission bellhousing. Remove the plug and look in to see if the slave cylinder is leaking. If yes the transmission will need removed to replace it. While you are there, check the clutch disc and pressure plate and replace as needed.

are u sure the alignment (side to side, up and down) of the trans on the bell housingis not out of spec, that will burn the bearings out very quickly.