Hello all, I'm new here. This is what happened: The engine was running, tranny was in park, then I tried to go to reverse and apparently that is when something in the shift mechanism broke. I tried to go back into park. Not sure it really did. I shut off the engine, there was a..well, like a WHUMP! feeling, like something blew. Now I get lights and radio but NOTHING when I turn the key. Any ideas anyone? Thanks, Kittie

 

Welcome to the forum

We assume a Ford Ranger but what year?
What engine?

Assume an automatic transmission from the "Park" reference

Yes, turning engine off when in gear can make a noise.
And yes engine will NOT restart if transmission is not in Park or Neutral so broken shifter would be why it won't start.

depending the the year there is a switch in or on the transmission that must be in Park or Neutral position to activate the starter motor, a safety feature.

 

Hi Ron,
Sorry I got ahead of myself. 2002. Ranger XLT, auto. Thanks for replying.

Fortunately, I figured out what my issue was. Something is indeed broken. I was able to get under the truck and move the arm to park, jump it and start it. But now...I can shift forward (park, reverse, neutral, drive, 2, 1) but I can't go back. I can move the lever and the indicator moves correctly, but the trans doesn't shift. I have to kill it, get under it again and put it back in park. Is my shift tube bad, or something else?

Thanks, Kittie

 

Hi Ron,
Sorry I got ahead of myself. 2002. Ranger XLT, auto. Thanks for replying.

Fortunately, I figured out what my issue was. Something is indeed broken. I was able to get under the truck and move the arm to park, jump it and start it. But now...I can shift forward (park, reverse, neutral, drive, 2, 1) but I can't go back. I can move the lever and the indicator moves correctly, but the trans doesn't shift. I have to kill it, get under it again and put it back in park. Is my shift tube bad, or something else?

Thanks, Kittie

PS. wasn't sure if I should reply to your post or just post in the thread. (Been away from forums for a while.) So I did both. Sorry if I'm repeating myself.

3.0 engine