Flashing P Indicator on dash?

TIETKOP

MEMBER
2012 FORD RANGER
3.2L
5 CYL
TURBO
4WD
AUTOMATIC
102,500 MILES

Hi, I have a intermittent flashing P (park) when selecting gears on an Automatic 2012 Ford Ranger. The vehicle drive and select's gears fine while driving and when parked and I select gears, the Park light starts flashing. There is no error light on the dash.

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

There must be a trouble code stored but I can tell you the gear range sensor can cause this issue, here is a guide to help run the codes to see if I am correct:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Here is the gear range sensor and how to change it out in case a code is present for it. They say you need a tool to help change it out, but I have seen people just line it up like the old one came off and there were okay FYI. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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Thursday, August 29th, 2024 AT 10:29 AM

TIETKOP

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Ken,

Thank you so much for the response. I received the same advice to start at the TCM. I connected the vehicle to an OBDII reader after logging this question, because I did not find any error codes relating to the issue. No errors on the dash either. I was Fed up, so I traced the wiring, starting from the ignition barrel. I then noticed that my key could pull out the ignition while the vehicle is turned off and still in gear, so I thought maybe it was a faulty ignition actuator. (Still same issue after replacement). I then turned to the gear lever and noticed it was dirty underneath after many years, I cleaned the range sensor board with contact cleaner. No win. I looked at the solenoid that locks the gear lever in position when parked and noticed a switch that I have no idea what it was for but must have something to do with the Park. Turns out it is the switch that was sticky (It is soldered and seems to be part of the assembly unit, after I cleaned it and replaced it, Problem is resolved.

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Thursday, August 29th, 2024 AT 11:31 PM

KEN L