99 ranger xlt column shifter suddenly out of alignment

[TytusP]

My Column shifter on my 99 XLT suddenly is way out of alignment from the dash gear markings by over one gear. I had had an issue with it being loose for months and not starting in park which I fixed. Tightened and put lock tight on the two screws that tighten it up about a month ago and it was in more alignment and tighter than it has been for years. Yesterday I parked at a grocery store and it was fine, but when I went to leave it's on the neutral dash marking while in park and between the 1st and 2nd gear markings in drive, and won't go farther. Checked the screws and they are still tight as well as the shifter. Did something break that I need to replace?

 

[SenorNoob]

Can you feel the shifter actually make it's detents. Guessing so If you can still start and drive it.

The indicator is just a little spring loaded needle with a string on one side. It could have a stretched cable or spring. I replaced the string on one with fishing line once.

 

[TytusP]

Can you feel the shifter actually make it's detents. Guessing so If you can still start and drive it.

The indicator is just a little spring loaded needle with a string on one side. It could have a stretched cable or spring. I replaced the string on one with fishing line once.

After testing it a bit more I think you are correct. It seems like it's just the needle that is messed up. The shifter is tight and still engages in all 6 positions. I'm still getting the 2nd and 1st gear positions past when the needle is all the way to the right.
Thanks

 

[TytusP]

Figured out my issue. The plastic peice that holds the wheel for adjusting the needle broke.