Ok lets see if I can get through this. 04 ranger 4x4 super cab xlt 4.0 .I took the truck in to a transmission shop and had a scanner hooked up and the guy said it was a torque converter clutch. The problem started when I got home a 1/4 mile from shop. Parked the truck a couple of hours later went to start it and with key in my hand all the warning indicator lights were on tried to start the truck nothing happened ended up disconnecting the positive cable for a few seconds reconnected cable everything went back to normal started the truck drove to the store when I turned the truck off it would not turn off. I finally had to go home and remove the breather tube to choke it out. The guy at the transmission shop thinks it's the ignition switch. Please help.

 

Yes,read like ignition switch issue

Under/on the steering column above brake pedal is the ignition switch

When you turn the key a Gear, on the back of the cylinder, pushes/pulls on a rod that runs down steering column, called the actuator rod
This rod slides the ignition switch into its 4 Positions, ACC, OFF, RUN, START

It is most likely the ignition switch, but problem could be the cylinder gear or actuator rod

The ignition switch only has a spring return for START, other wise it is free to move from ACC to OFF and to RUN, the KEY is what holds it in position, so it could move from OFF to RUN on its own

 

RonD thanks so much. I will check it out tomorrow and let you know. The guy that had the truck before me had dogs so even after thurough vacuuming I am still finding hair and dirt.

 

Well I removed the ignition switch and before installing the new switch I looked up to see that everything was working properly and then installed the new switch and reconnected the battery and all the waning lights lit up in off position. Now I have no clue.

 

Ignition switch slides into its 4 positions

Picture here: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KK2uO_xaDKA/maxresdefault.jpg

So can be operated manually

As it slides it connects Battery fuse 12volts to the different circuits
So while key may be in OFF position, ignition switch is not, if dash lights are on

Ignition switch is the only pass thru for the Battery 12volts to the other circuits

Try key in ACC position and see if it turns OFF

Could be actuator rod has skipped a tooth and is not putting ignition switch in correct position
In OFF position steering wheel should be LOCKED as well

Drawing here: http://repairguide.autozone.com/znet...3f802308b4.gif

 

Well after further checking it looks like I have to once again take it in for a diagnostic but it's sounding like the PCM. My question is if thats the problem can I buy one and install it myself or maybe even a used one, or does the dealer have to do it?

 

No you can't DIY it
1999 and up Rangers(with V6) had PATS(passive anti-theft system) which up until 2004 could be reprogrammed by mobile locksmith or someone with Ford software on a laptop, can only be programmed while in the vehicle.

But in 2004 Ford changed to a Digital dash(HEC) which is part of the PATS and new anti-tamper system
Ford had problems with people swapping out high mile dashes(odometers) and putting in Lower mile dashes, so defrauding future buyers

The 2004 and up dashes(HEC) are "married" to the engine computer(PCM) and the Body Computer(SJB) at the factory, so engine won't start if any of these are unhooked or swapped out
Ford dealer needs to "remarry" the system if any one of these 3 parts are changed
I have read that the SJB can be swapped without reprogramming but don't know for sure

 

RonD, thanks for the information. It's just my luck that I had to buy the spendy year. Right now I'm into the truck with purchase price and everything $1200 the truck is fairly straight and clean and I am just wondering if it would be worth it. The dealer says if thats the problem it will be about $700.

 

$700 is cheap for dealer installed PCM swap

A Rangers value changes by area, and it is 14 years old so will need more work as time goes by
Is a 2004 Ranger 4x4 worth $2,000 in your area?

 

Ok so here's the situation. I left the battery disconnected for a week, and yesterday I hooked the battery up just to see what happened. The truck acted like the computer reset it's self. My question is can I disconnect the pcm and remove it to see if there is any moisture in there and then reinstall it without having to have the computer reset at the dealer? Thanks so much for your help.

 

Yes, you can, all engine computers have some memory that will be erased when all power is cut, like in a radio the presets are erased when you unhook the power
But it doesn't effect operation, computer needs to relearn idle and some sensor ranges, but nothing that would effect driving or operation overall