Help!

[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

 

[metalmacguyver]

You had your foot on the brake when trying to shift right?

 

[baddis]

it is something to do with the brake lights. i would bet that if you check your brake lights are not working.

 

[metalmacguyver]

How would this have something to do with the brake lights? It sounds like a mechanical issue to me.

 

[baddis]

the brake interlock switch is conected to the brake lights. did you check the fuses first? my old boss had a 95 with abs and if he slipped a rear tire with the brakes applied it would blow a fuse for the abs. the next thing to check would be see if you are getting power through the brake light switch.