I have a 04 ranger 3.0l, automatic, it shifts from. P-N-R-D-1-2, not a manual. When ever I put it in park I have to make sure it's actually in park. Especially in my driveway, as it's on a angle. Or it will roll down the hill. Just wanted to know what it could be or if someone had a similar problem before I tore the steering wheel area apart.
Tranny fluid is good, colour is good and it doesn't smell burnt.
Only bout 180 thousand km on her.

 

Welcome to the forum


There are a couple of Common issues on all Ford column shifters

Video of most common issue here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKqiDy_Po2M

Loose bolts


Next would be cable attachment at transmission end, BLOCK THE WHEELS!!!!
have someone shift trans while you watch for looseness in the cable, also inspect the cable for splits in the sheath where is bends up to go into firewall.


Next and the biggest pain to fix, is the Shift tube inside the steering column
In the video you saw the 2 bolts that loosen up, well those are bolted to the end of the shift tube, it runs up steering column where shift arm connects to it.
Drawing here: http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/ju...RACKET_001.jpg

That also shows the loose bracket from first video, but you can also see the bushings and clamps that hold shift tube in place, if these are loose then same loose shifter

You have to drop the steering column to get to it, video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6v7iagT-NE

 

Wow, thanks would of never of thought of some of those...

 

Definitely check the two bolts at the bottom of the shift tube. I thought I had a BADLY worn shift tube. Turns out the two bolts were LOSE, to the point one was about ready to drop out.

Just stand on your head and look above the brake pedal. I seem to remember them being Torx, but don't remember what size.