99 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab, 4.0, automatic, fixed exhaust leak now truck doesn't want to engage in any gear

[Carmella_the_dangerranger]

Just like the title says, I was working on replacing an exhaust leak from a broken flange bolt, and had the truck jacked up on the driver's side. Fixed the leak, started it while the side was lifted to verify that the leak was fixed before lowering it. Buttoned everything up, hopped in with the dog to do a test drive, and like the title says, would shift into gear and nothing would happen, in any gear. I lifted it again, checked the linkage, and everything seems to be functioning normally (to my limited knowledge). I unplugged the battery and replaced every fuse that appeared to be related to shifting or the transmission-still nothing— throwing it to the Reddit sphere to see if a more experienced professional tech or anyone has ever seen this in a Ranger or anything. I hung up my wrench and had it towed to the local shop that I trust, sure they'll figure it out. But the intrigue of what it could be is driving me nuts (just not in any gear). I also checked the transmission fluid; it was at normal levels and color.

 

[SenorNoob]

Welcome to TRS!

That's odd for sure. Please post what it ends up being.

 

[rumblecloud]

Prolly something so simple that it was overlooked or just wasn't obvious. A loose tranny connection, broken wiring?

Very curious indeed. And yes, please let us know what you find.

Welcome to TRS.

 

[Carmella_the_dangerranger]

Update: it’s been at the local shop since last Friday. I called yesterday and they said it was “still in the to be looked at status”. Which is nuts, but that’s how things go around here sometimes. I’m assuming I won’t know anything until this time next week. Only thing I can think it could be is I must’ve struck the shift cable while trying to get the exhaust bolt which in turn busted one of the plastic bushings. Who knows though, and like I said, not gonna know for a minute.

 

[sgtsandman]

Update: it’s been at the local shop since last Friday. I called yesterday and they said it was “still in the to be looked at status”. Which is nuts, but that’s how things go around here sometimes. I’m assuming I won’t know anything until this time next week. Only thing I can think it could be is I must’ve struck the shift cable while trying to get the exhaust bolt which in turn busted one of the plastic bushings. Who knows though, and like I said, not gonna know for a minute.

Depending on their back log and what they currently have on their plate, it is possible they haven't even looked at it yet. The better the garage reputation, the larger the back log is.

 

[ekrampitzjr]

Depending on their back log and what they currently have on their plate, it is possible they haven't even looked at it yet. The better the garage reputation, the larger the back log is.

Depends on the garage. The little ones that have loads of junk-looking cars sitting around for years are a different story. One of those is near me. I wouldn't use that shop for anything more than state inspections.