my 2001 4l auto shift lever is intermittent. In park dash lights, chimes and fan come on but starter will not engage.
sometimes it will not engage in drive or reverse
the shifter linkage feels sloppy
Does anyone know what the fix is?
Thank You
Barry

 

Common issue on Ford Trucks with column shifters

There are a few causes, from a couple of loose bolts to cracked shift tube or broken/split shift cable

Google: ford ranger column shifter loose

There are a few videos you should watch, doesn't need to be specific to a Ranger, all Ford trucks used the same setup

 

Thank you Ron, that fixed the shifter problem. The airbag light now keeps flashing. do you have any suggestions on how to turn the airbag light off?
Barry

 

Yes, fix the problem with the airbag system :)


The airbag system will flash a code number when you turn on the key, it will be a two digit code like 19, one flash, pause, then 9 flashes
or 52, 5 flashes, pause then 2 flashes

Once you have the code number Google: Ford airbag XX
XX being the number you got

Many times it is just a loose connector under the seat, things get moved and connector gets loose, just needs to be plugged back in.

 

hi Ron
I turned off the passenger side air bag and the blinking airbag light went out. I will check the connector
Thank you
Barry

 

Good work