Something awkward happened to my 4 Cyl. 1999 Ford Ranger last week. I have put over 120,000 on this truck since 99' with no problems. Last week I got off the freeway and stopped at a red light, when I used the brake to stop, my ABS light came on. Ever since then the light stayed on and the transmission shifts really hard from first to second gear. The speedometer also seems to start moving real late, like when I'm already going 20-25 MPH. I am not sure what kind of transmission I have but it has the OD button on the end of the shifter lever. I really need guidance with this problem, it just doesn't seem like a transmission problem to me, maybe electrical? I appreciate any reply.

 

Not sure if the Ranger is the same as the larger trucks, but they have a speed sensor in the rear differential housing that sometimes goes "bad". This sensor feeds speed info to the computer for ABS, speedometer, and shift purposes. I suggest you check to see if the Rangers are the same.

On edit:
I forgot to welcome you to FTE! Glad you're here!!