I have done quite a few searches on lots of Ranger forums and have yet to find anything that helps. My truck is a 2000 XL with 3.0 Auto, and my problem is when I turn the key to start in Park only get lights not start. Then without turning the key to the start position and I move the shift lever out of start it cranks up and engages Drive. Kind of spooky if you aren't prepared. Oddly there is no reverse either.
I just bought the truck and was told by the PO that he had the tranny replaced and it returned with this problem.???. I thought that it might be a simple shift selector problem but much to my chagrin, I adjusted it and no change. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Greg

 

Welcome to the forum

For 2000 Ranger, on the drivers side of transmission is the DTR(digital transmission range) sensor, it's on the shift rod
When DTR is in Park or Neutral position the 12volts from the key will be passed on to activate starter motor relay(to start engine)
DTR also activates Reverse LIGHTS, not reverse, but the backup lights when DTR is in reverse position

So from your description the DTR sensor is not setup correctly OR.................shifter and cable is not working correctly

Since you have no Reverse "gear" I would say its a shifter or cable issue

Ford trucks have known issues with column shifters and cables

Google: Ford ranger loose column shifter

Lots of videos on that one

Then there is the "shift tube", its inside the steering column and has plastic bushings that can wear out and the tube can break/bend
Google: ford ranger shift tube

More videos

Also give the shift cable a good look in the engine bay, it comes out of the firewall and bends down and back to the transmission, if sheath breaks where it bends then shifter no longer will have full range of travel

 

Thank you for the reply, I am going to try the cable check out and see what that brings. I had pulled and verified the Range Sensor and the Neutral lines were off a little bit but, now all lined up. Maybe I need to quit focussing on the fact that the truck starts with the key in the Run position and when I move the shifter it starts right up and engages. Anyway, one thing at a time I guess and Cable next then tackle the starter thing.

Thanks Again
Greg

 

Starter shouldn't activate in RUN position, thats an ignition switch issue (under steering column)
And if it did then starter motor would stay on even after startup, which you didn't mention

If 12volts were present at DTR, on starter wire, then shifting to D might cut the 12v off so start comes on and then goes off when shifter is moved

Fuse 24 in Cab Fuse box will have 12v with key in START, but 0v with key in RUN, this is a starter 12v that goes to the DTR
Pull out the fuse and test for 12v with key in start and run
If it has 12v in both positions then pull out and replace ignition switch, or pull it out and test it, there is a slider activation rod that runs down thru steering column from the key cylinder that can break or strip and cause similar issue, but you should notice that key is hard to turn or "feels funny" when you turn it

 

I wanna start by saying sorry for not responding earlier. Had a few other issues that have popped and need some attention...

@ RonD, thanks for some great direction, I will be getting to them soon. I did want to let you know that the starter does stay engaged, to the point that I think it is either locked up or the starter solenoid is now bad. Yet another hurdle.

One good note is the PO called me to let me know the transmission that was in the bed of the truck was the original that hesitated to shift to 3rd. The mechanic told him that it he thought that a broken wire on one of the solenoids might have been the problem. So I put it on the bench and there was a broken wire (that I fixed), new filter, new seals front and back. Now I am hesitant to just rip into to it just because. I want to run though some of the instructions I received here before hand. I do have on additional question, the transmission they installed looks to be out of newer model as it has a VSS on it. It is isn't being used. The original is still being utilized on the rear end. Could the new model Transmission be adding to some of the problem?

Thanks in Advance
Greg

 

The 2000 Ranger 3.0l used a 4R44E 4-speed automatic transmission

From 1995-1997 these had a VSS on tail shaft, 2WD
1998-2000 did not
In 2001 3.0l got the 5R44E, 5-speed, exactly the same transmission inside, just the computer software was different the "5th gear" was add via software, AND Ford added an ISS and OSS sensor on the outside
The 2001-2008(last 3.0l) 5R44E can be used in a 1998-2000 3.0l without issues, as a 4-speed, as said its the same transmission inside, the ISS and OSS are not hooked up

2001-2008 Ranger 3.0l can NOT use an earlier 4R44E because there is no ISS or OSS sensor that the 2001-2008 3.0l computer needs

 

Hey RonD,
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you on this but life has a way of taking you in different directions...
OK, As you said, I pulled the #24 fuse and checked it both Run and Start. Start had full 12v but initially the Run position had 0v then when the truck was jostled I could get 3-8v. So I changed out the Ignition Switch Pack. Still had some odd problems with the starter engaging. Decided to double check the DTR sensor, took it completely off thinking that I would try the old one from the original transmission. Well, when I took it off the shifter and pulled the electrical connector, I was amazed by how much water came out of the sensor. Installed the original and the stating issue is gone!!!

Truck Starts as advertise!!! Only in Park and Neutral.

Thanks so much for the help!

Greg

P.S. Now on to "where is my reverse?"

 

Good work