Welcome to the forum

What YEAR Ranger?

1999 and up Rangers have PATS(passive anti-theft system), that requires the transponder key to be read by a ring around the key slot, it has a 4 wire connection in the column

Also what engine?

Does the starter motor work or does nothing happen when you turn the key?

 

It's a 2002 3 litre, 2 wheel drive, the OP didn't say if it was an auto or manual though.