My 1986 Ford Ranger has a "Sloppy shifter"
No codes thrown.
When you go into reverse,it works fine,but when you go from reverse to drive,it acts like neutral.However,if you go all the way down to low and a little lower,then go back to drive,it works fine.No other problems.Runs good,shifts fine otherwise.
I posted this to an older thread,and was given some valuable feedback,and was advised to start a new thread for more info.
I have not checked the shifter selector position switch,or linkage yet,but I intend on changing the filter and fluid so I will check it when I do.
Any other suggestions or info will be certainly greatly appreciated.

 

This is a common problem.

There are two #30 Torx bolts at the bottom of the steering column that attach the shift cable bracket to the column. They often loosen, causing this problem. Crawl under the dash and look back up the column. Tighten these two bolts, or even better, put a drop of Loktite on them and then tighten them.

 

Thanks! Great instructions and pics!
I will have to have my grandson look at it for me,I am not that flexible anymore!SmileThumbs up

 

Some more symptoms have now shown up:When in drive,it drops into neutral even when lightly applying throttle,then goes back in gear,then drops out again,repeatedly.
A manual shift to 1st gear works fine,does not drop out,likewise with 2nd gear
Only in drive does the tranny drop out into neutral and back into drive.
Any suggestions will certainly be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for all help on this.