Hey I have a 89 ford ranger 2.9 with a 5 speed manual. Does anybody know what the sensor directly behind the shifter is on my truck. I was told by somebody that was my reverse light switch, which I later found out it wasn't, so i was trouble shooting my reverse lights issue with it. I ran a power wire to it with one side and I turn on my key and the fuel pump wouldn't quit running like it usually does when you just turn the key on and not start it. My truck was running before I had this issue, so I'm wondering what is this sensor and what does it do?

 

If it is a 23mm (IIRC) red plug with two wires, it is your reverse. Ford used the same reveres switch for pretty much EVERY manual from the 70's to my 04 Ranger.
There really are not many plugs on the manual, you sure it's not the reverse? All it does is provide continuity for the reverse lights.

 

Some of the earlier Ranger manuals have a Neutral Sensing Switch input to the ECA (aka computer, ECM or PCM). On the Mitsubishi transmissions, the NSS is behind the shifter. The Reverse Lamp Switch is on the passenger side of the trans case.

BTW, it's not a good idea to blindly apply voltage. In the case of the Neutral Sensing Switch, that power went directly to the ECA regardless of which wire was powered. Hopefully it wasn't damaged.

 

Well I was told that it was the reverse switch. Which I learned it wasn't and found the real one. And unfortunately I am afraid that it may have damaged the computer. Because now the fuel pump will kick on when i turn the key on but when I crank it over trying to start it I do not think it is kicking back on.

 

Sounds like it's time for a junkyard run. Find another ECU make sure the truck your pulling from also has a 5 speed and a 2.9 engine. You should be able to find one pretty cheep. Good luck and hopefully you learned a lesson here.

 

Would a computer from a 88 2.9 5 Speed work with mine?