How Do You Change the Emergency Brake Cable on a 2001 Ford Ranger?
Assuming you need to replace the entire emergency brake cable:
The first step is to disconnect the negative battery cable. Next, remove the floor console. There are two bolts that secure the front of the console to the floorboard and two screws on the rear. With those removed, you should be able to pry up and remove the console. Once the console is out of the way, locate and disconnect the wiring harness for any accessories plugged into the console (i.e. power outlets, phone chargers, etc.).
With the floor console removed, you will have better access to all of the components underneath it. Locate and remove the Emergency Brake Cable Retainer Clip that secures the cable end at either side ofthe vehicle frame rail. With both retainers removed, pull back any carpeting or insulation as necessary to expose more ofthe brake cable routing. You may need to use a flashlight to get a good look at everything.
At this point, you should be ableto see both ends ofthe emergency brake cable running along either sideof your truck's frame rails. One end will likely be connected to an anchor bracket near where it meets withthe chassis whilethe other will terminate at a spring-loaded adjuster wheel located just behindthe rear axle assembly on each sideofyour truck (you'll needto followthe cablesback from their respective anchor brackets in order toget an ideaof where they lead). Each end has a retaining clip securingit in place so thesewill needtobe pried off witha small flathead screwdriver or similar tool before proceeding(be careful not totearor damage any surrounding wires or hoses while doing this).Once both clips are off,you can gently pullon each cablerouting untilit comes freefrom its correspondinganchor bracket - do NOT just yankon itas this could damageother nearby components! - then feedit throughuntilyouhave enough slacktocompletelyremoveit from underneath your Ranger(again, take carenot topulltoo hardand risk damaginganything).
With oldemergency brakecable completelyremoved from your Ranger, it's now time tomoveonto installingthenew one in its place followingbasicallythesameroutinein reverseorder: startby feedingoneendofthe newcableroutingup throughits designatedanchor bracket holeuntilenoughslackispresenttocompletethe installaton processat that location; nextconnectthat