Hello. Did Ford ever fix the "hard to shift" problem on their automatics? If so, what was the 1st model year to do so?

 

Welcome to the forum

"hard to shift problem"???

You mean the column shifter is hard to move?

Google: ford column shifter loose

The shift tube inside the column can break or its bushings get worn out, as well


There is a Shift Lock on the column shifter, that prevents shifting out of Park unless foot is on the Brake, the lock solenoid or the brake pedal sensor can cause issues with this system

 

The shifter is hard ro move across the spectrum from P to all the way right, or back to park. I've googled it, seems to be a Ford problem even on Explorers. Did ford change anything after 2003 Ranger
model year to fix issue?

 

Sorry never read alot of problems with that as far as Rangers, loose shifter was the common issue because two screws would come out on shifter cable under the dash

Could be shift cable issue, dried out, try to lube it from under the dash

But to answer the question, no, 1986 to 2011 Rangers used the same column shifter setup, as did F-150/250/350, explorers and most Ford cars with column shifters

Later models would have newer parts, so less "worm out" but thats about it

 

I have an 02 F-150 that has no issue at all. I'm looking at an 03 Ranger that has this issue and the owner said his mechanic said that was just how Rangers are. So I googled it and found that it is an issue. I guess I need to find one that doesn't have this problem.

 

Please help me and show me what you googled to get those links to the Ranger or even Ford issue

Thank you