Trouble with 1st gear

TIGUEPOTTER

MEMBER
FORD RANGER

I have a 2003 Ford Ranger, 4cyl, manual transmission with approx. 42,000 miles on it. Lately when I shift into first gear from nuetral it doesn't want to stick. Once I hit the gas and ease on the clutch it pops out(back into nuetral), and when I push it back into 1st it's like it gets hung and then 'pops' into gear. It happens mainly after reversing, and sitting in traffic (going from nuetral into first). Could this be the forks not synchronizing right in the tranny for just 1st gear? Because I have no trouble with any other gears. Any suggestions other than checking warranty and taking it in?

Thanks in advance!
Tigue

1 Reply

THERASPER

MEMBER
11 POSTS

Since you didn't mention doing it, let's start simple. I'd check to see if there is anything physicaly blocking the shifter. Like a cable that is not properly routed, a misplaced wiring loom, a chunck of the insulation that surrounds the boot on the underside, or something of that nature.
If it goes deeper than that, I'd say (guess) that it is not as deep as the fork. You'd see other problems, have other symptoms. I am going to suggest that it would be in the top plate, in the detents that supply the "spring-back" feeling as it "pops" in and out of gear. Those are usually, and I think in your application, but do not know for sure, a ball detent that is over-ridden by a very tough little spring. A problem, such as a bronek spring, would show as what you are describing, and nothing more.