2000 Ford Ranger.... started out I had to use N more often than not to start it. Then it started popping out of P into R. Then the shift lever went limp. Couldn't put it in any gear. It would roll like it was in N. The linkage was still intact on tranny. Tightened up 2 screws way up under dash on dr side. Shift lever is good now but truck won't start. I can shift it; linkage on tranny moves when I shift also.
SO NOW WHAT THE HELL????

 

Am I wrong or are you going by what the indicator on the dash shows P,R,N etc.

If you are, you must start from scratch and disconnect the shift linkage from the trans.
Place the trans in park, then adjust the linkage and indicator to read PARK.. Now all three will be in the same place.