Wiring Diagram needed

[jblc]

Yes I should have grabbed a picture. That connect is where I need to tap for the paddles. But that connect can be seen, but cannot access it. The cup holders literally sit ontop of it. So it looks like the console may have to be moved to access it. Argh

Sadly, without a picture I'm not sure i follow It just seems like you could attach a mating cable to that connector and snake out a cable to play with.
That connector was mounted to allow clearance for connecting to, and even if not for some reason, seems like it could perhaps be shifted slightly by popping off of its connection point to make space to install a connector.

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[Bigperro]

Update for everyone, I successfully installed paddle shifters on my ranger, using the info you guys posted and an explorer steering wheel, this can be done with the ranger steering wheel as well, you'll have to cut holes on the rear steering wheel cover and run the wires from the clock spring all the way down to the shifter assembly, I'm working on a guide on how to do it, I just finished my project today.

 

[daczone]

Update for everyone, I successfully installed paddle shifters on my ranger, using the info you guys posted and an explorer steering wheel, this can be done with the ranger steering wheel as well, you'll have to cut holes on the rear steering wheel cover and run the wires from the clock spring all the way down to the shifter assembly, I'm working on a guide on how to do it, I just finished my project today.

Congrats!!!

Did you connect to the connector at the shifter? Remove the console to access it? Can't wait for the write up!

 

[Bigperro]

Congrats!!!

Did you connect to the connector at the shifter? Remove the console to access it? Can't wait for the write up!

i didn't have to remove the console entirely, just the panels in the pictures and remove the bolts from shifter assembly to have more room to work, I used t tap connectors, but I'd like to improve it by making a proper pigtail connector

 

[OFC Ranger]

Good job. I love seeing someone with through with a custom project.

 

[daczone]

i didn't have to remove the console entirely, just the panels in the pictures and remove the bolts from shifter assembly to have more room to work, I used t tap connectors, but I'd like to improve it by making a proper pigtail connector

Wow, yeah I couldn't even get my hand into that connector. It's under the shifter and decided the console would need to come out, but wasn't up to it.

I just wanted to do a proof of concept to see if it was even possible.

I bought a Explorer wheel with paddles and I also bought some inexpensive 4 channel wireless switches, thinking I would try the wireless route instead of dealing with the clock spring. I originally thought MAYBE there were 2 spare connectors that went all the way through the clock spring. But not sure, there are certainly spare connectors places, just not sure if Ford wired them all the way through. Anyway there are small, the transmitter would go at the wheel and the receiver at the shifter, easy.

Are you tapping the same wires that do the up/dn shifting on the side of the shifter?

 

[D Fresh]

I'll give you even more juice for the squeeze. If it works you don't even need to integrate the steering wheel clockspring at all.

Just fabricate a paddle system that connects to the column behind the wheel and simply run the wires normal.

While I think paddle shifters in an AUTOMATIC RANGER are about as dumb as fake fender vents on a Honda, this is the way I'd attempt it.

 

[daczone]

While I think paddle shifters in an AUTOMATIC RANGER are about as dumb as fake fender vents on a Honda, this is the way I'd attempt it.

I like your analogy, except this isn't fake. I realize it's not for everyone. Most of your European cars have paddle shifters in them. It's nice to hold shifts, downshift and just have the extra control.
I have always been a manual transmission guy, (and if I had the choice in the Ranger I would have opted for one). But I hate the hunting for gears or downshifts in an automatic when you push the go pedal hard. It would be nice to pop down a gear and GO.

 

[D Fresh]

I like your analogy, except this isn't fake. I realize it's not for everyone. Most of your European cars have paddle shifters in them. It's nice to hold shifts, downshift and just have the extra control.
I have always been a manual transmission guy, (and if I had the choice in the Ranger I would have opted for one). But I hate the hunting for gears or downshifts in an automatic when you push the go pedal hard. It would be nice to pop down a gear and GO.

But in an auto you can't just "pop down a gear and go." The manual shift requests are just that. A request. You won't be timing your shifts at redline, you won't be downshifting immediately. It's still a slushbox, it still has a torque converter.

If you don't exclusively drive your Ranger in Sport, shifting manually, it's probably not something you're gonna use on the steering wheel.

I can't even make it a drive to work working our 10 speed auto in manual. It's tedious and provides zero performance benefits.

But to each their own.

 

[daczone]

But in an auto you can't just "pop down a gear and go." The manual shift requests are just that. A request. You won't be timing your shifts at redline, you won't be downshifting immediately. It's still a slushbox, it still has a torque converter.

If you don't exclusively drive your Ranger in Sport, shifting manually, it's probably not something you're gonna use on the steering wheel.

I can't even make it a drive to work working our 10 speed auto in manual. It's tedious and provides zero performance benefits.

But to each their own.

I agree with you 100%, Working the side button is a joke. Most cars have a bang shifter (+/-) but still, it's a Auto.

The Paddles IMO make for a nice drivers experience to pop down a gear. I had them in my Audi and did use them from time to time.

 

[D Fresh]

I agree with you 100%, Working the side button is a joke. Most cars have a bang shifter (+/-) but still, it's a Auto.

The Paddles IMO make for a nice drivers experience to pop down a gear. I had them in my Audi and did use them from time to time.

It's not the button, it's the shifting. Again, it's just a request. The only thing you'll change is the way you "push the button."

A dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters as you likely had in your Audi is a world away from a slushbox with paddle shifters.

If you're trying to recreate that experience in your Ranger you're gonna be VERY disappointed.

 

[daczone]

It's not the button, it's the shifting. Again, it's just a request. The only thing you'll change is the way you "push the button."

A dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters as you likely had in your Audi is a world away from a slushbox with paddle shifters.

If you're trying to recreate that experience in your Ranger you're gonna be VERY disappointed.

Probably so, and maybe I am too optimistic. My thought was if the Explorer has it, we should have it too. ?

 

[D Fresh]

Probably so, and maybe I am too optimistic. My thought was if the Explorer has it, we should have it too. ?

And I can respect that.

 

[ST_Ranger]

I love this project. I am FBO, big turbo, E85 and HP tuners offers a trans brake. But, to initiate the Trans Brake you need to have paddle shift (hold - + simultaneously) while pressing the brake and taping the throttle. Also, would prove useful in roll racing. Your photos and pinouts will prove most useful! My question is, do you have a specific explorer steering wheel you purchased. I don't want lose my Lariat button layout/functions OR a paddle kit that would bolt on after you cut said holes and a Clock pinout? Thank you for any help!

 

[daczone]

I love this project. I am FBO, big turbo, E85 and HP tuners offers a trans brake. But, to initiate the Trans Brake you need to have paddle shift (hold - + simultaneously) while pressing the brake and taping the throttle. Also, would prove useful in roll racing. Your photos and pinouts will prove most useful! My question is, do you have a specific explorer steering wheel you purchased. I don't want lose my Lariat button layout/functions OR a paddle kit that would bolt on after you cut said holes and a Clock pinout? Thank you for any help!

2016-2019 Explorer steering wheel with paddles (They don't all have them, as it was an option). The Steering wheel is REAL close to the Ranger wheel, but the airbag is indeed different. Which makes it not a direct swap. However my 2020 Ranger does indeed have the drilled and taped holes for the paddles. My plan is to just move them over and get real good with my dremel to cut the plastic in the back of the wheel.

Paddles on the back of the steering wheel / seen here:

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