4R44E - what is this?

[aaldape]

So I got a great deal on a 99' ranger from a guy that had some tranny issues. So I went and got a replacement (3.0 v6 w/ 4R44E) and the replacement did not come with the place piece shown in the following pictures. It looks like some sensor that is attached to the shift linkage/lever, or an actuator of some kind?

My question is, what is it, and how do I take it off to put on the replacement tranny, or am I better off ordering a new replacement? Any good OEM places online (rather than buying from Ford), I know a few places where I get the parts for my street bike, just curious for some good advice on my first ranger

And the new tranny, where this piece should fit...

Thanks to all! Hope to be a more regular part of this site once the truck is up and running!

 

[wvcat]

Thats your neutral saftey switch

 

[aaldape]

Thanks for the quick response! Good to know, that makes sense. I can't figure out what is needed to take it off, it seems stuck on there pretty well (I did already remove the two bolts that hold it in place).

 

[wvcat]

spray it down with some pb blaster, the shaft is probably rusted to it.

 

[aaldape]

Gotcha. Thanks!

 

[Bent Bolt]

Thats your neutral saftey switch

No. It's the trans range sensor. Much more than just a neutral safety switch. It has to be installed and adjusted as well. Not a big deal but must be done accurately or the trans won't shift properly.

 

[aaldape]

Hmmm good to know. So I suppose I should just as well order a new one for the new tranny... Since I have never messed with installing/calibrating such a piece, is this something any auto shop can do quickly, or would it need done at a transmission-specific shop?

 

[Bent Bolt]

It's actually very simple to do. Have a look at your close-up pic of the range sensor. You see that little line on the white ring at the shifter shaft ??? Now see the line on the black part of the sensor body ?? Shift the trans into neutral, and line up the lines. Tighten the hold down bolts. You're done.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

It's actually very simple to do. Have a look at your close-up pic of the range sensor. You see that little line on the white ring at the shifter shaft ??? Now see the line on the black part of the sensor body ?? Shift the trans into neutral, and line up the lines. Tighten the hold down bolts. You're done.

X2

Its really simple to set them up

 

[aaldape]

Right on dudes! I was looking at those and thought they may be used to align something

Hopefully I can get it off this afternoon!

 

[aaldape]

So I didn't get around to aligning the sensor, but should get to it saturday evening. My quick (and quite possibly ignorant) question is, on this auto, how can I tell when the tranny is in neutral? Should I be able to turn the output shaft freely? Thanks, being my first tranny swap/fix, I am still learning but think I am doing ok having never done it before

 

[Bent Bolt]

how can I tell when the tranny is in neutral?

Count the clicks from park. 2 clicks from park will be neutral.