02 ranger 3.0 stiff shifter lever

[RangerFabWorks]

Just picked up a 02 ranger. 3.0. Auto. And the shifter is STIFF move. Cable was replaced. Column is good. I hook the cable at the shifter and it’s smooth. I’m thinking the switch on the trans is gummed up. Thoughts?

 

[RonD]

Its called the DTR sensor, digital transmission range sensor

Yes, I would pull off its two bolts so it can move freely and see if that's whats making it stiff

These do need to be aligned if removed and/or replaced

 

[RangerFabWorks]

Its called the DTR sensor, digital transmission range sensor

Yes, I would pull off its two bolts so it can move freely and see if that's whats making it stiff

These do need to be aligned if removed and/or replaced

 

[Snoranger]

We have the same issue come up a lot on our fleet at work. (300+ Rangers, F250s, & bigger.) I've found that the selector shaft rusts, it rust jacks the ring in the position switch, and makes shifting next to impossible. I work for a government agency... We just break the switch off, knock the rust off the selector shaft, and install a new switch. I'm sure if you're careful, you could probably take the switch off without breaking it and save a few bucks.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

So I bought a new range sensor. Installed it. Lined it up in neutral. Truck wouldn’t start. Put the old one back on. Truck starts up. So I cleaned the shaft and old switch. Works fine now. Shifts nice and easy. Just gotta adjust the cable because you have to hold the shifter up to turn the ignition off now