Shift indicator challange

[HunterRanger]

Hi All, I am new to the forum.

I just picked up a used 2001 Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 automatic as my sons first truck last Saturday (He just turned 16) it needs much TLC and good old-fashioned work to get her back into driving shape. I figure if he wants to drive it, he needs to learn how to fix it first.

Most of the items are simple, lighting and suchm but one thing that has me puzzled is the shift indicator on the column. Park shows where reverse is, reverse is in the neutral slot, neutral is in drive and so on.

The truck seems to drive well. Does not pull to the side and does not seem to have any other "steering" challenges besides the one I mention above. How do you go about adjusting this?

Another thing that may be noteworthy. The Overdrive light keeps flashing in 5 or 6 second intervals. Like it is having a hard time figuring out if overdrive is needed or not. Might be a separate challenge, but I wanted to throw it out there just in case its somehow connected.

Thanks for any help in advance; I think "we" will be visiting this site often as we rebuild his truck.

If this is all posted in the wrong location, please advise. i will get used to the areas as I revisit this forum in the future.

Dave

 

[rwenzing]

The large shift cable has an adjustment at the transmission for the relationship between lever position and gear command.

Separate from that, there is a small wire between the lever and the cluster indicator that links the two. It is adjusted via a small tooth wheel under the dash.

The trans shift cable should be correctly adjusted first, then the indicator can be dialed in afterward.

A flashing OD/OFF indicator means that there is a fault code for the transmission stored in the PCM. It is the transmission's equivalent of the Check Engine Light. A Ford dealer or independent trans shop can pull the code for you. Most transmission codes cannot be accessed by a consumer level OBDII scanner.

 

[Opera House]

There is a lever at the engine end of the shift rod going down the column. This attaches with an allen or torx screw at the end. This is a common problem for shift position alignment. Fix this first. You may be between spool positions and that is causing the flashing. At least you can hope it is that.

 

[bentrider1957]

Same problem

I have the same issue with my indicator. It is off so much, that I am starting to put in the wrong gear. I understand the concept that there is probably a mechanism in the steering column, but even after I read some responses, I was really unable to see where I could adjust the tension. I may end up taking it to my favorite mechanic. I will pass on any information I can get about this. I consider it now a serious safety issue.

BTW, I wonder if a repair manual could show me exactly where I need to make the adjustment.

I hope to resolve this issue by the end of the week. I am replacing the Cruise control switches because one broke. I am going ahead with both CC replacement, since I will have access to them.

 

[wildcat4x]

Autozone.com has vehicle repair manuals for free, just register(free) input your vehicle(s) and search manual. They have a so-so explanation, of this issue with some so-so pics. I have the same problem with my 99EB and was hoping to find better pics illustrating the procedure.