4WD doesn't engage

blankman296 · Nov 13, 2007

Hi all, I'm obviously new to this board, and looking for some help. I recently got a '93 Ranger, 4.0L, 4wd, A/T from my father in law. The four wheel drive does not engage at all, although the lights on the push buttons do light up. I tried to find out from my father in law any details of the problem, but he "can't remember". I am hoping someone could give me some tips or pointers of where to start, or maybe some common troubleshooting for this. Thanks.

Sunk · Nov 13, 2007

I think its pretty common for the electric shift motor on the transfer case to go out. I'd start there.

Wicked_Sludge · Nov 13, 2007

theres a writeup in the tech library on how to disassemble and rebuild the shift motor. i would start there.

blankman296 · Nov 14, 2007

Thanks for the replies. I'll check that out this weekend. Meanwhile, upon closer inspection, I seem to have discovered a new symptom. When I push the four wheel button, it illuminates, and if I listen closely, I can hear a slight click coming from the front of the truck. I hadn't noticed this before. When I push the low range button, nothing happens at all, it doesn't even light up. If this makes a difference, I would appreciate any additional feedback. Thanks.

bronco2tom · Nov 14, 2007

blankman296 said:
Thanks for the replies. I'll check that out this weekend. Meanwhile, upon closer inspection, I seem to have discovered a new symptom. When I push the four wheel button, it illuminates, and if I listen closely, I can hear a slight click coming from the front of the truck. I hadn't noticed this before. When I push the low range button, nothing happens at all, it doesn't even light up. If this makes a difference, I would appreciate any additional feedback. Thanks.

I'll presume that you have auto locking hubs, if so (in my opinion) they are far more trouble than they are worth. Even if one is not engaging - it is goodbye 4WD - period.

The advise you were given already is likely the place to start, but a quick check to see if your transfer case is engaging can be accomplished by looking under the truck while it is being driven slowly with the 4WD engaged. If the transfer case is engaging you will see the front driveshaft turning. If so your next check would be the hubs. They can make a ratcheting sound when failing.

From experience, the auto hubs let me down when I needed them. To replace them with new auto hubs is prohibitively expensive, ($500 each - dealer only) and every one that I tried from the scrapyard was just that - scrap. Get a set of Warn manual hubs and you will not be sorry you did.

BTW - make sure that you are shifting the 4 low in neutral - it will not engage otherwise.

Good luck!

4WD doesn't engage

blankman296

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