Ford Repair: Shifting problem, 10mm socket, ranger owners

Question
Hi Brian <<>> I have a 2001 Ford Ranger LXT 2.5 4 cylinder five speed manual transmission. The truck has about 56,000 original miles. My problem is when shifting into gears (any gear) some times it will not go into any gear.One time truck sputtered and cut out. Truck would not start. Clutch pushed in and nothing engine would not turn over like it was disconnected from battery. I let clutch out pushed back in and she started right up. The not shifting happens on and off not all the time. I had trans. bled to make sure no air in system. This checked out ok. The clutch seems fine, was told other Ranger owners have same problem although I have never met one. Is there a solution to this problem. Hope I gave you enough info. Thanking you in advance Ken

Answer
the first thing i want you to check. look under the vehicle directly under the driver's seat. you should see a square connector about 3"x3" with about 20 wires going into the vehicle. disconnect this and inspect the terminals for corrosion of the pins and or wires. you will need a 10mm socket to disconnect this. please get back to me