automatic hard to put in gear

[wally]

I have a 98 ranger 2wd 2.5L with an automatic tranny. It seems really hard to move the shifter and seams like it doesn't really lock into a position very good. any suggestions.

 

[04 EDGE]

pull the covers off the column and check the bolts.
its common that some come loose and cause the shifter to become difficult to move.

it may also be the bolts that hold the bracket at the rear of the column.

 

[Bruce]

Could be the cable its self also getting stiff.

 

[Bent Bolt]

Could be the cable its self also getting stiff.

That's my educated guess.

 

[wally]

I did finally get this fixed. It was the neutral safety switch and the bolts at the bottom of the column. The neutral safety switch was swollen so much that it was restricting the cable movement. After that fix I found that the bottom bolts were loose on the column causing it not want to hold in the proper gear and it was not starting in park. After tightening them, all was good again. thanks for the help.