2007 Ford Ranger will not shift when running

[glessen]

I know my truck isn't old but you guys have always helped me in the past.

I have a 2007 Ford Ranger 2wd 4cyl. It shifts as smooth as butter when the key is off. For example if I need to go into reverse it will not go into gear when the truck is running. Almost like it won't fit in. But if the key is not on it shifts right into gear. Start it go backwards push the clutch in and go into 1st gear. Once running it is very hard to shift other gears.

Now I know nothing about this so bare with me on this. I know my ex replaced the clutch about 5 years ago.

KRista

[chad67]

I'm not real sure if your truck has a clutch cable or if it has a hydraulic clutch, but I would look at the adjustment if it has a cable. If it is hydaulic, look at the fluid level and the master and slave cylinders.

[glessen]

As I stated early I know nothing of this truck. Where would I begin to look if fluids are low? Also if it is cable how would I find that cable?

[thejunkman]

As I stated early I know nothing of this truck. Where would I begin to look if fluids are low? Also if it is cable how would I find that cable?

You have a hydraulic clutch. The reservoir to check the fluid is right inside the drivers fender towards the firewall i believe. Black cap, looks like your brake master cylinder kind of. Could be a bad slave cylinder.

[glessen]

Thank you. I will look for the fluid. So i should have two things that hold fluid right there? Sorry don't mean to be so dumb at this.

[glessen]

I checked my fluids and they are good. You said something about my slave.... what is that and how do I check that?

[thejunkman]

Slave cylinder is in the bell housing I believe. You'd have to pull the tranny to replace. But I wouldnt go that far just yet. This is pretty basic http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/ts-04.htm but look it over anyway. Kind of a good troubleshooting starting point. Just because the clutch was replaced doesn't mean it isn't bad. Lots of things can cause premature clutch failure.