I'm having a couple of issues and I'm not sure if I should take it to a shop or attempt to figure this out on my own. I just bought a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT w/ 4.0L OHV and 5spd auto from a private seller. I kind of jumped the gun buying it, but I needed a 4wd truck and it was in my price range.

Issue #1: Sometimes, randomly, the ignition switch will act like it has a bad connection. It will not click or start until turning the key and putting it from park into neutral. Sometimes it takes playing with the shifter back and forth from park to neutral several times and turning the ignition switch on/off in between before it gets connection and fires right up.

Issue #2: This morning the headlights would not come on. All other lights... parking, brake, tail, turn signals, work but not the headlights. Neither high beams nor low beams worked or the quick hi-beam flash. The gauge light initially came on and neither the oil pressure or alternator gauges were working. All other gauges were working though. After a few minutes the gauge light went off and the two gauges not working were back to working normal instantly. The headlights were still not working. After I got work, turned the truck off, let sit for 5 hours, truck started fine, gauges were working fine, headlights still not working. Shut the truck off, turned it back on, headlights not working. Tested headlights again after turning the truck off and not working... all other lights still working. I took a different vehicle back to work, truck sat for 6 hours. When I got back home, turned the headlight switch without even putting the keys back in and they were working perfect.

Not sure if these are related or totally separate issues. I would like to fix these issues on my own, but I may not be talented enough to get the job done. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

1st issue is a shift position sensor not telling the truck its in P or N.

as for the second, sounds like you may have moisture somewhere

 

1 you can adjust the cable at the trans to see if you can get it into the right spot.

I just replaced my headlight switch for a massive 15 bucks, not saying yours is bad but its cheap.

 

Issue #1.

Sounds like it might be the DTR Sensor at the transmission (aka neutral safety switch) or possibly the starter relay


Issue #2

If the gauges and dash lights act up again, switch the ignition to off, then back on to Ign 1 (run position) and note whether the Check Engine light comes on. Start the truck and note if the Tach (if equipped) works. Also, note if the speedo works.

If the dash/panel lights are off, try turning the dash light dimmer wheel back and forth a few times and see if they start working. If not, note if the AC/Heater control panel illumination is working.

A bad multifunction switch on the column could cause the headlamp issue especially if the flash to pass does not work as well when it exhibits these symptoms.

 

Thanks! As far as the headlights go... While the truck was turned off and no keys in the ignition, I turned the lights on and was flipping the lights back and forth from hi-beam to low-beam which was working great. The hi-beam quick flash wasn't working when I tested it. I gripped the multi-function switch closer to the column in the process and the headlights instantly went out again. All other lights were working when the headlights went out. Bad multi-function switch maybe or loose wire in the multi-function switch?

 

The MFS switch was recalled at one point.

My cable is adjusted incorrectly after the trans swap, its annoying at best. When it does it again shove it had into park, while holding start. If it starts its out of adjustment.

 

I was just replying to Blhde mentioning the issue with the multi-function switch I just stumbled across, and when I refreshed the post you had just replied... sounds like that is probably a bad multi-function switch. Thanks!

In regards to the gauges issue, the tach / speedo / and everything else you mentioned including illumination on everything was working properly... as I recall. But if it happens again I'll pay closer attention to what you mentioned. As soon as I noticed the 2 gauges not working I turned the truck off and restarted it. Those 2 gauges started working again in about 2 minutes again while I was driving.

As far as the DTR sensor or starter relay... is there a way to test and help narrow down which one it might be?

 

I'll try that tomorrow or as soon as it does it again. Thanks!

 

Rev --- Also, the check engine light is on all the time right now which I think is due to a catalytic converter issue so maybe I can't troubleshoot the gauge problem fully yet. Again, thanks for all your help.

 

Pay particular attention to the check engine light, tach, and speedo as they share the same common power feed as the volt meter and oil pressure gauge.

My money is on the DTR sensor. However, for about 9 bucks at NAPA you could throw a new relay in just for good measure.

 

My 2000 ford ranger headlights stopped working and all other lighting is fine. My high beam flash works but no running headlights or high beam. New bulbs and good on the #4 and #8 fuses. I am stumped

 

Use a test light and see if you're getting power to the plug. It might be an issue with the headlight switch on the dash if you're not getting power to the plug

 

Thanks JD im gonna replace the switch. It works to turn on the running lights but not the headlights. I will let all know the outcome. Thanks FRE brothers