Shifter Linkage

[woody1963]

Hi gang. I think i got some electrical problem with my shifter linkage. maybe it's mechanical...not sure. Could use some help please. 2000 ranger xlt 4x4. 3.0 litre, auto tranny.(4r44e I'm thinking). Electric shift T-case.
Here's what happened. I parked my truck,put it in park,shut it off. Returned shortly, fired it up,applied my brakes,attempted to shift into reverse and my linkage would not allow it. I tried a few more times. no luck. But by chance
I turned the key to the on position,motor not running,applied my brakes and gave my shifter handle a good yank and it came outta park. still won't shift with the engine running but if I repeat the befor mentioned pull, i've had some luck. Got my dash apart tonight and I see a problem. My linkage actuates a cam like roller that depresses a plastic plunger on top of some electrical sensor. The ONLY way i can shift outta park now is to pull on my gear shifter slightly,toward me,then turn my ignition on,thats when the shifter comes all the way back to the position where i can select a gear. Sorry for the info overload. I'm trying to be as specific as I can. This has me confused. I put in a different 3.0 last year.The orignal spun a bearing.CPU went out when the kid was driving down the freeway.I'm starting to regret not swapping in the manual tranny,along with the engine, from the donor ranger. Any help or advice would be great. Thanks from the pacific northwest.

 

[Lil-Pony]

Could their be a difference in CPUs, you said the new motor was from a manual, did u swap the manuals CPU over to your autos? This the only thing I can think of, hopefully someone else has some input.

 

[adsm08]

You have no brake lights.

The shift interlock is released by a module (don't remember exactly which one) after seeing a signal from the brake light switch that the brakes are applied.

As a fail safe to prevent you from being stranded somewhere, on your year at least, the interlock is already released if the engine is not running. A 'good yank' should not be needed and might actually break something, so be careful with that.

 

[Earl43P]

The shift lock actuator is powered by two fuses, both in the cab.

One is #10 (7.5A Hot in Run), the other is #9 (7.5A Hot at all times).

It has 3 wires to it, GY/YE from fuse 10, BN from the brake pedal switch (fuse 9) and a BK ground at G200. If G200 were bad, a whole lot of lights won't work (partial list: license plate lamps, door ajar, seat belts, reverse lights). When it's working properly (Key in Run, foot on brake pedal), that plunger should pull away, allowing the shifter to move. Should be able to see that happen.

Lets not rule out a mechanical problem.
I've heard of many instances of bolts coming loose and unclamping the sheath of the shift cable. My FIL's Mercury GM, he found the bolt lying on the floor! On his, he could get it into reverse but it indicated Lo on the shift handle position and indicator.

You can see the linkage move on the transmission spindle while someone else shifts it (engine off). It's also easy enough to disconnect that linkage and shift the trans by hand. You can feel each positions' detent.

 

[woody1963]

Just wanna say thanks for the help. Since my question,i've had the dash pretty much dismantled. Checked all bolts for tightness.(surprisingly all where tight,but i did adjust my gear indicator marker...bonus!) I'll check my fuses now. I didn't really think of that since my brake lights work. This site has been such a big help over the last few years. 3 different year rangers,all in different parts of completion. If I get hung up I ask here.Always get help and have sucess. If I ever get to PA or NC we should do some wheelin' and some shootin'. I'll cover the beer. See ya around the pool! Pacific NW.