The only way to get the truck out of park is to quickly put it in drive within the first 5 seconds of starting it.

The only possibilities I know of is there could be a lock preventing me from shifting out, or the shifting cable needs work.

Anyone with a similar problem or knows of a solution?

 

Welcome to the forum

It's called the shift interlock, located under steering column above brake pedal area

It holds shift rod in place, in Park, until brake pedal is pressed.

Its a solenoid that is activated by 12volts thru brake pedal switch

Google: Ford ranger where is the shift interlock solenoid located

Also download your 2001 owners manual here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...1-models-3747/

There is usually a button or other By-Pass to release the interlock in emergencies, owners manual would have that info