Truck won't shift out of park?!

DrIftKi7Vg · #1 05-08-2012, 06:23 PM

I have a 02 Ford Ranger with an automatic transmission. I just changed out my brake light switch and my brakes are working now but when I turn over my engine and begin to shift, it will not shift out of park. When the engine is off and turned to the on position, I can shift to all gears. It will not work when the engine is turned over. I have checked all my fuses and everything seems to be okay there. Any idea on what can be causing this?

Silver Bullet · #2 05-08-2012, 06:50 PM

Check tranny fluid. and do you mean you can physically move the lever? or an you move it but it doesn't shift into the selected gear

Cubmaster · #3 05-08-2012, 06:54 PM

Sounds like the safety switch isn't connected anymore. Double check all of your connections. I'm not positive how the shifter lock works, but I know it has to do with depressing your brake pedal before it will shift out of park.

DrIftKi7Vg · #4 05-08-2012, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Bullet

Check tranny fluid. and do you mean you can physically move the lever? or an you move it but it doesn't shift into the selected gear

Tranny fluid looks okay. When the engine is on, I cannot shift. But when the engine if off and in the on position, I can shift.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cubmaster

Sounds like the safety switch isn't connected anymore. Double check all of your connections. I'm not positive how the shifter lock works, but I know it has to do with depressing your brake pedal before it will shift out of park.

Where is the safety switch at? I only touched the brake switch and that's it...

RagerTom · #5 05-08-2012, 07:30 PM

I think it is at the top of the brake pedal

----------

Well.. I just checked my haynes manual and according to that the BLS/BPP are one part. Brake Light Switch and Brake Pedal Position. Its possible you got a defective one.

Cubmaster · #6 05-08-2012, 07:36 PM

Here's a good thread...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=220986

Scroll down a few and the dude explains it pretty well. There's an outside possibility you may have dislodged the connector.

DrIftKi7Vg · #7 05-08-2012, 09:02 PM

Brake light switch is brand new. Is it possible that I have installed it incorrectly and that I am not able to shift yet I have brakes working? Because before, the gears were shifting like butter. Then I realized my brakes weren't lighting up, fixed that and now no shift

RagerTom · #8 05-08-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cubmaster

Here's a good thread...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=220986

Scroll down a few and the dude explains it pretty well. There's an outside possibility you may have dislodged the connector.

Click this if you haven't. I understand its brand new but it could still be defective.

DrIftKi7Vg · #9 05-08-2012, 10:37 PM

Really?! Why would something brand new (and work) be defected? I saw that thread. Just so much wire check to do it's crazy.

Like I said, is there a way to put the brake switch back on correctly?

2004xlmiller · #10 05-08-2012, 10:40 PM

first off.. what was wrong with the old one? why was this being changed out? might have something to do with it

Hickfromhell88 · #11 05-08-2012, 10:48 PM

I changed mine cause it took excessive pressure for the brake lights to light up, so he may have had the same prob there.

DrIftKi7Vg · #12 05-09-2012, 12:39 AM

Well. I went to Walmart one night with my little brother and he told me there wasn't any brake lights lighting up. I had running lights and signals but no brakes. Checked all my fuses and they were good. So I got a new brake light switch but then I found out that I can test the switch just by tapping on the button that's on it. So I did (to both) and they both light up. But the original one needed more pressure to push down on the button for it to work (new one didn't). And before all this, shifting was fine. Didn't bother with any fuses or wires.

Now new one is in (I think I put it in correctly) and I have brake lights and all fuses seems to be in order but then when I wanted to back up, I couldn't shift out of park. Then I found out I could but the truck would have to be in the "on" position and not started to shift gears. I though I pinched a wire or something after putting everything back in place (ie. the trim pieces) but I didn't pinch anything. Now I have a screwed up truck that doesn't want to shift. I swear this thing goes from one problem to the next.

And just to think; this might all not be happening if I didn't take out my third brake light off the truck to night shade it

2004xlmiller · #13 05-09-2012, 01:19 AM

hmmm.. all i can tell ya is make sure its installed correctly, check to see if any fuses or relays are blown in relation to this. i agree with an above post, it def has something to do with the safety switch when you step on the brake to shift.. the fact that it shifts when the truck is off stumps me tho.

DrIftKi7Vg · #14 05-09-2012, 01:31 AM

Is there a certain way to install the brake switch onto the pedal? I actually forgot how it went on lol.

MadMike · #15 05-09-2012, 03:31 AM

The switch will only go back on one way, so if you have it on and working you installed it right. About the shifting, I've never owned an auto. So I don't have much xp on the situation sorry. I will ask around see what I can find.