Help identify this dangling connector on 1993 Ranger

[iheart2code]

I have recently acquired a 1993 Ford Ranger (info in the signature).

I have a disconnected wiring connector dangling alongside the drivers' side of the manual transmission.

Can anyone please help identify this? The truck seems to work fine without it connected, and I am not seeing any relevant codes on an Engine Off test.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I can't help with identification, but the tag on trans indicates 1998 model year.

 

[iheart2code]

Seller indicated that the original transmission was replaced with a rebuilt one. The new one might have come from a newer donor car.

 

[SenorNoob]

IDK which is which. But one of those is for reverse lights, the other id for a neutral switch. The neutral switch was eliminated on later models. You may notice an unusual idle (hunting or hanging) if you shift to neutral while rolling without the neutral switch. It also prevents starting in neutral without the clutch pressed.

Basically, as long as the reverse lights work, don't worry about it.

 

[ekrampitzjr]

If you don't think you need it, clean it and wrap it in electrical tape to protect it just in case you find it does have some use after all.

 

[SenorNoob]

Probably a good idea.

 

[RonD]

Yes, some M5R1s had Neutral switch but it was on opposite side of top plate from Reverse light switch
Seen here: https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachments/sdc10336shrunk-jpg.57595/
Neutral switch seen on old trans not the new one in picture

Wire seems to short for that

You need a speedometer cable in a 1993, and this hook up on the trans also has a VSS 2 wire sensor, looks like this: https://images.oreillyauto.com/parts/img/medium/ntk/ntkvb0068.jpg

In 1993 VSS was for computer and Cruise control
But only the Automatic trans computers used it, so your manual trans computer may not care

 

[SenorNoob]

Notice though in the picture you linked that the neutral switch has a wire on it the reaches over to right behind the reverse switch? I'm guessing it made assembly easier in the factory.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yes, that is the neutral sensor connector (wires on it should be lt blue w/yellow stripe, and gray w/red stripe). The reverse light switch is the red thing the other connector is plugged into.
I don't know if a neutral sensor can be retro'ed onto a later trans or not, maybe someone else can chime in on that.

 

[iheart2code]

I am getting a code from the computer regarding the vehicle not being in neutral/park during the Key On Engine Off test. I am also able to start the engine without the clutch being pressed.

I guess the missing connection here might be causing those two things?

 

[ericbphoto]

Just saw this thread. I'll crawl under mine tomorrow and see what it looks like. Plus, I can look in the EVTM.

 

[RonD]

Yes, someone has bypassed the clutch switch
Or the switch is broken

Clutch switch has 3 switches inside, all 3 are OPEN when clutch pedal is up, all 3 CLOSE when pedal is down

There are 6 pins, 2 for each internal switch
One end will have a red/blue(or white/pink) wire and a pink wire, that's the pair people cut and twist together so starter will work with pedal up

Other end is the Position sensor, grey/red and light blue/yellow, when these are connected computer sees Neutral

Center pair are for cruise control, disables cruise if you press clutch pedal down

Wires seen here: https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ranger-forums.com-vbulletin/497x404/c257_bbc2b558a3c93e0c3e947af10626236be347048c.jpg

Wires colors can change

 

[iheart2code]

OK, so here are some updates. I pulled that clutch position sensor, and there are two cables that have been cut. I believe it's the cables for pins 5 and 6. There are another two cut cables coming from what I believe is an aftermarket remote kill switch. I don't understand -- with those two cables cut -- how the car is starting in the first place. I could use some guidance as to how to proceed. Should I just connect pins 5 and 6 together? Try to reconnect to the kill switch?

See attached photos of the sensor, the kill switch wires, and the kill switch box + fob.

I really appreciate all of your help here -- I'm OK with the mechanical bits, but kind of lost when it comes to electronics issues.

 

[RonD]

The red/blue and pink cut wires pass the 12volts for activating the starter motor when they are connected together

If you can start it now then they are already connected together.....somewhere
See if you can find them
And splice them back to their original wires, if you want

The other wires are not cut?
The 2 at the other end should be the neutral sensor

 

[ericbphoto]

Just saw this thread. I'll crawl under mine tomorrow and see what it looks like. Plus, I can look in the EVTM.

Just looked under my truck. I only have one connector in my transmission. That is the reverse switch. My truck is 4x4, so my VSS is on the tailshaft of the transfer case. Clutch switch takes care of my neutral safety concerns.

You are the victim of previous owners doing funky things. I'll still try to rememberbto look at the EVTM later today.