2002 ranger 4 wheel drive not working

[robert turner]

Cant get my 4wheel drive to engage. It is a 4.0 V6 5 speed manual. Have changed the control switch and transfer case motor. Could it be the tcm module? Does that control the 4 wheel drive operation also?

 

[Uncle Gump]

There are several transfer case diagnostics in the tech library...

Transmission, Transfer Case & Driveshaft - The Ranger Station

DISCLAIMER: Activities and vehicle modifications appearing or described at The Ranger Station and it’s pages may be potentially dangerous. We do not endorse any such activity for others or recommend it to any particular person – we simply describe … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[RonD]

In a 2001-2005 Ranger 4x4 the 4x4CM module is the usual issue
In a 2002 it will be behind the passenger side kick panel

Looks like this: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/tM8AAOSwYRJdAqjc/s-l1200.webp
But different part number

Used are a big roll of the dice, since 2001-2005 4x4CMs were known to fail
Ford redesigned them in 2006 but they are NOT backwards compatible, so you can't use the new design

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Is 02 still vacuum hubs?

 

[00t444e]

Swap to a manual shift transfer case, the electric shift system is junk as you have found out.

 

[RonD]

No, on the Auto hubs, they were last used in 2000 Rangers
2001 and up were Live Axle, bolted on and always locked front axles

For the amount of electric shift 4x4s out there that system seems to be fine
Will it have more problems that manual shift? ... of course
Same applies to manual brakes, manual steering, manual transmissions, manual windows, its a trade off

But I prefer a chain saw to manual saw for cutting wood even it I have to work on/fix the chain saw almost every year, lol
Or snow blower
Or lawn mower
Or ect..............

I don't consider any of these "junk" because they sometimes need work/repair

 

[robert turner]

In a 2001-2005 Ranger 4x4 the 4x4CM module is the usual issue
In a 2002 it will be behind the passenger side kick panel

Looks like this: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/tM8AAOSwYRJdAqjc/s-l1200.webp
But different part number

Used are a big roll of the dice, since 2001-2005 4x4CMs were known to fail
Ford redesigned them in 2006 but they are NOT backwards compatible, so you can't use the new design

Thanks for your advice. I located the module, where you said it was. Can new ones be purchased anywhere?

 

[RonD]

Yes, new and rebuilt are available

Fords base part number for 2001-2005 4x4 CM is 1L5Z-7E453
You will find them listed as 1L5Z-7E453-AB to 1L5Z-7E453-AE, i.e. AC, AD then AE

When Ford "revises" a part but doesn't fundamentally change it then they change the last 1 or 2 digits higher
AA, AB, AC, AD AE, ect....

1L5Z-7E453-AB to 1L5Z-7E453-AE will work for you, new or rebuilt
Engine size or transmission doesn't matter, works in 2001-2005 Ranger/Mazda 4x4's

They can be STUPID expensive, ignore those sites
$150-$250 is new/rebuilt average
Usually a core charge as well so your old one can be rebuilt
If you find a local autoparts store with one in stock, or can bring one in, then no core charge just an exchange

Dorman sells rebuilt 4x4CMs with part number 599-252

You can also try local wrecking yards, IF they have an exchange policy, about half the new cost, and you can bring your Ranger to the yard and plug in the new module to test it
2001-2003 4x4CM is behind kick panel
2004/2005 it's behind the radio so harder to get to
Ranger or Mazda B-series were the same by year

 

[00t444e]

No, on the Auto hubs, they were last used in 2000 Rangers
2001 and up were Live Axle, bolted on and always locked front axles

For the amount of electric shift 4x4s out there that system seems to be fine
Will it have more problems that manual shift? ... of course
Same applies to manual brakes, manual steering, manual transmissions, manual windows, its a trade off

But I prefer a chain saw to manual saw for cutting wood even it I have to work on/fix the chain saw almost every year, lol
Or snow blower
Or lawn mower
Or ect..............

I don't consider any of these "junk" because they sometimes need work/repair

There is a few problems with those statements.
A chainsaw, snow blower and lawn mower are all quicker and easier than doing it by hand. The electric shift 4x4 is slower and takes more steps to shift into 4x4 low range than a manual transfer case does, doesn't have a neutral position for flat towing either like a manual T case does, then when you add in the increased amount of problems and expenses it has it makes the electric shift completely pointless over a manual shift. There is literally no advantage to the electric shift 4x4 but plenty of disadvantages.

 

[RonD]

There is a few problems with those statements.
A chainsaw, snow blower and lawn mower are all quicker and easier than doing it by hand. The electric shift 4x4 is slower and takes more steps to shift into 4x4 low range than a manual transfer case does, doesn't have a neutral position for flat towing either like a manual T case does, then when you add in the increased amount of problems and expenses it has it makes the electric shift completely pointless over a manual shift. There is literally no advantage to the electric shift 4x4 but plenty of disadvantages.

I am sorry, but have you not driven on roads with other drivers in the last 20 years? LOL
They are all smart and all know what they are doing, not one moron out there, right

We live in a world of automatic transmissions and "push button" everything else
Haven't see a Hand Signal in at least 20 years
"What do I do my turn signal don't work!!?"
Some have even "evolved" past using turn signal

Manual transmission, not today
Manual shift transfer case, "WTF, is that stick in the floor?, what is this a covered wagon, is that the hand brake?"

No, I don't think a manual transfer case is the better choice for 95% of 4x4 drivers
But the other 5% will know how to use it so better choice for them, unless they forgot to lock both hubs and grind the heck out of the chain drive gear trying "shift on the fly"

I agree with your statement, just having some fun

 

[00t444e]

If you can't figure out a manual shift transfer case then you shouldn't be driving.

 

[RonD]

I agree, and from my experience that would be 95% of the drivers in front of me at any given time