Steering Column Problem

[lilysintrigue]

Hello All,

Im new here and I've just found this forum... I've a quick question that maybe you lovely ppl can help me with. I have a 2001 Ford Ranger (Automatic), and I drove it to work today no problems like always, went to lunch no problems. When i went to leave from work the shift knob would not go into reverse. The tires still move when the steering wheel does, I have plenty of Transmission fluid and such... The weird thing is it doesnt shift into gear when the truck is on.. but if you turn the key slightly I can shift it into Neutral, and from there I can start it and shift gears revers, drive etc.. but its only when the car is started I cannot shift... Any suggestions on what this could be.. Im thinking it might be the steering column locking assembly, or could it be the shift lever point is malfunctioning.. if that were the case my truck wouldnt shift gears at all correct? Any help would be greatly appreciated, as for now until i can get to someone to get it checked out I will continue to keep putting it in neutral and then starting it... I just want to have some clue as to what is wrong with the truck before I take it into a automotive shop and they try to rip me off.. Anyway, all help is greatly appreciated!

~S

 

[Earl43P]

This sounds like a shifter interlock problem.

The deal where you have to have your brake pressed in order to shift out of Park.

Verify that your Brake lights come on when you press the brake pedal. Back up to a wall and look for the red glow. If that's working, check all your fuses, in the cab and under the hood.

 

[garycmiller]

shifter problem

See Hypnotice Toast's posting and replies in this same category.