2004 ford ranger stopped running today started

Does the car start an run ? I assume so . no headlights no door locks no radio no dash lights... all stopped work at the same time . Wouldn't think battery or alternator being the problem . More then likely a SJB - smart junction box problem . or connections some where . The SJB is ford BCM - body control module .All the thing's you say that stopped working are controlled by the SJB. The first thing too do would be to hook up a ford factory scan tool an check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes .

Inside the transmission the switches are bad change themvand it will star shifting again

The battery light on, is an indication of alternator failure. If your battery is more than 3 years old it needs replacement . A bad battery can damage a new alternator (full field condition). The age of your truck warrants inspection of the charging system. It requires at Least 20 amps output, from the alternator to run the engine.

Run the codes......it sounds like the EGR may be stuck. don-ohio

i am a tech at a ford dealership. it sounds like you have a short some wheres around your steering column that maybe what we call "backfeeding" to other systems. the area where the tilt is on the steering column is a good place to check. also remote starters can cause alot of havoc on a vehicle.

I would check the trailer light wiring to make sure it doesnt have any wires that are exposed or touching metal.Odds are that is what is causing the fuse to blow

It's the dimmer switch in the column.

You have a bad ground, look out by the battery for a bunch of black wires screwed to the body of the car, check that they have a clean and tight connection, scrap off any paint under the wires.

The only thing that all of your problems have in common is the light switch and the dash wiring harness. The stereo is linked to the light switch because of it's illumination feature' You need to test the light switch with a test light by probing the wires at it's plug.

check your head light switch