Hidden latch in center console?

[RaRaRaptor]

I found this hidden in the center console. it has a pull loop, curiosity got the best of my and I pulled it. heard a click but not sure what it did. latched it back down. Wondering what it is or what it's for? I did some Googling and looked in manual but don't see anything. Maybe I missed something though

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[Black Shadow]

Transmission disengagement strap. For towing.

 

[morahn]

I googled the picture, not saying this is correct but sounds good:
"If you need a tow and need to get your Ranger out of park mode, you'll find this orange cord in the center console."


Edit: From manual: Shifting Your Immobile Vehicle Out of Park (P) - Vehicles With: Electronic Shift

 

[RaRaRaptor]

awsome, thanks guys!
missed that in manual for sure

 

[MasterCylinder]

I found this hidden in the center console. it has a pull loop, curiosity got the best of my and I pulled it. heard a click but not sure what it did. latched it back down. Wondering what it is or what it's for? I did some Googling and looked in manual but don't see anything. Maybe I missed something though

In plain English. It manually disengages the shifter lock solenoid that usually operates when you step on the brake pedal so you can get it out of park to move it if "it's broke" Most in the past where easier to get to without a pick and shovel to find!

 

[snowman3]

In plain English. It manually disengages the shifter lock solenoid that usually operates when you step on the brake pedal so you can get it out of park to move it if "it's broke" Most in the past where easier to get to without a pick and shovel to find!

thx! So if truck engine can start but not come out of park. the process would be 1) push start button w foot on brake. 2) pull orange strap to release solenoid. 3) shift out of park. 4)have winch onto tow truck. correct?

or do we even need to push start button to wake truck up?

(I'm assuming tow truck guy knows all this stuff, but good for me also!)

 

[MasterCylinder]

thx! So if truck engine can start but not come out of park. the process would be 1) push start button w foot on brake. 2) pull orange strap to release solenoid. 3) shift out of park. 4)have winch onto tow truck. correct?

or do we even need to push start button to wake truck up?

(I'm assuming tow truck guy knows all this stuff, but good for me also!)

thx! So if truck engine can start but not come out of park. the process would be 1) push start button w foot on brake. 2) pull orange strap to release solenoid. 3) shift out of park. 4)have winch onto tow truck. correct?

or do we even need to push start button to wake truck up?

(I'm assuming tow truck guy knows all this stuff, but good for me also!)

There are two different shifter mechanisms in the newer vehicles, electronic and the good ol manual type.
From service manual. "The transmission can not be shifted out of P unless the brake pedal is applied with the engine running.
A transmission park manual release cable allows the transmission to be manually moved out of P when engine is not running."
The key word is "manual" and should be a cable your pulling to release it. Personally I would just test the scenario and see before needed. Being a cable it should release the shifter lock without power from battery like the old days. Disconnect battery and test it for all to know. I'm sure it would be appreciated!
My XLT does not have it as it is a cable operated manual shifter. You can just disconnect the cable from trans to shift, just pops off with a little prying however the solenoid park lock still applies for locking into park and you need power from turning ignition on, step on brake and it releases the shifter park lock solenoid. So as long as power to battery be it from a jumper or otherwise you can release it with the key on and push on the brake pedal running or not. Only other option is remove shift cable. Hope this explains it better! Ranger on!

 

[BoostCreep]

replying to remember to follow up on this. I'm interested in this, very much. Thanks y'all.

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