I have done quite a few searches on lots of Ranger forums and have yet to find anything that helps. My truck is a 2000 XL with 3.0 Auto, and my problem is when I turn the key to start in Park only get lights not start. Then without turning the key to the start position and I move the shift lever out of start it cranks up and engages Drive. Kind of spooky if you aren't prepared. Oddly there is no reverse either.
I just bought the truck and was told by the PO that he had the tranny replaced and it returned with this problem.???. I thought that it might be a simple shift selector problem but much to my chagrin, I adjusted it and no change. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Greg

Does the shifter have a lot of slop in it, if so might be something broke in the shifter linkage under the dash.

Hey Tomboy,
Thanks for the reply. Everything seems to move just fine and smooth. Even the shifter interlock works fine. You don't even have to turn the key to start, just have the key on and move the shifter. Kind of a puzzler.

Greg

Once started, does the transmission shift as it should? Can you shift into all the gears with the lever? If so, I'd take out the ignition lock cylinder and go from there. First check a shop manual to understand the wiring and mechanicals of the ignition lock cylinder.

Hey pw2buz,
I found the fix for the starting problem. It turned out the Digital Range Sensor was full of water. When I took it off to see if it was set correctly and I turned it upside down it seemed like a cup of water drained out. The PO had someone change the tranny out and they must have installed one from a flooded vehicle. The dipstick and pan wee also very rusted. Strange problem all together.

Greg

Ghouse62,

Yes indeed, a strange problem. How did you diagnose it? I know a fair bit about Rangers but not the automatic transmission. I'm happy you found the problem!