Error Code with Aftermarket Locking Hubs

[PNW Ranger]

1998 Ford Ranger. I installed Mile Marker 426 manual locking hubs. My mechanic says the Ranger is unhappy with this upgrade, and is throwing an error code because it is looking for the OEM automatic vacuum locking hubs. And not finding them.

Is there a work around for this?

Thanks

 

[RonD]

Never have seen an error code for that
And hundreds if not thousands of 1998-2000 Ranger owners have done that same upgrade
The PVH vacuum hubs were very unreliable

Ask the mechanic for the exact code number

And in any case it wouldn't/couldn't effect driveability or 4WD function...................ever

The PVH vacuum actuator is a slave to the GEM module 4x4 system, there is no sensor to tell if either hub is engaged
Only code I can image is a PVH actuator/solenoid is disconnected code, which would be a "B" body code from GEM and wouldn't turn on the CEL(check engine light)

 

[dvdswan]

I've never heard of vacuum hubs, not saying it's not possible. But to run a vacuum line to the hub, you might as well run a CTI system (Central Tire Inflation) on it.

@RonD don't the hubs actually engage when the drive axle turns to lock them in?

 

[PNW Ranger]

The code the mechanic is getting is a P1832.

 

[RonD]

I've never heard of vacuum hubs, not saying it's not possible. But to run a vacuum line to the hub, you might as well run a CTI system (Central Tire Inflation) on it.

@RonD don't the hubs actually engage when the drive axle turns to lock them in?

Ranger's original Auto Hubs were torque activated, i.e. front axles powered by transfer case caused them to lock, used up thru 1997
1998-2000 Rangers used PVH(pulse vacuum hubs), these had a vacuum hose to each front hub from a vacuum solenoid activated by GEM module when 4WD was activated
Vacuum came from Vacuum Reservoir so had a stable negative pressure
But they were unreliable, seals in the hubs could leak, crack vacuum hoses, leaking reservoir, solenoid issue, plus mechanical issues(like any auto hub)
Just way too many failure points in this design, Ford started switching to Live Axles(always locked) hubs on Rangers as early as 1999 on some 4.0l 4x4 Ranger models, so they knew it was a bad design almost immediately

 

[Vindictus]

this is what I found for your code.
P1832 Ford
Transmission Transfer Case Differential Lock-Up Solenoid Circuit Failure

 

[RonD]

P1832

P1832 Transfer Case 4WD Solenoid Circuit Open/Short To Ground

If you don't have the old PVH vacuum solenoid then see if you can find one at a wrecking yard, and plug it in to the 3 wire connector for PVH
No vacuum hoses needed
The GEM just wants to see the 12volts from key on circuit coming thru the solenoid's coil

PVH solenoid is/was on passenger side frame rail about mid-engine, access is from under the vehicle

Surprises me we haven't seen that code more, but I think most people just swap hubs and leave the rest of the PVH system untouched
Code is from unplugged or broken PVH solenoid

 

[PNW Ranger]

RonD:
Thanks for your assistance. The reason my mechanic is diving into this issue is that my Ranger won't go into 4WD Low. See my earlier post on this issue.

4WD High is fine. So it's an obscure issue. I may never need to put the Ranger into 4WD Low, but at least I want it to work.

Thanks again

 

[dvdswan]

If 4WD works in High and not in Low, it's not the hubs that are the problem.

 

[PNW Ranger]

4WD Low is controlled with a knob: 2H, 4H, 4L. It won't to into 4 Low. I don't think the aftermarket hubs themselves are the problem, but the circuitry associated the OEM PVH solenoid that allows the Ranger to go into 4 Low.

 

[Uncle Gump]

To get it into 4L... vehicle has to be a stop and in park or neutral.

Seems simple but many aren't aware of this.

 

[PNW Ranger]

Yes, for the 1998 Ranger with an automatic transmission. Put the transmission into neutral, put foot on brake. The turn the knob from 4H to 4L.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^

MUST BE NEUTRAL, not Park, in a manual you just need clutch pedal down
Foot on the brake pedal
Speedometer at 0
Then shift to 4low

Like I said, that code is never seen, so hard to say if it would prevent shifting to 4low, but I would say No, because it allows shifting to 4 High

If 4WD lights flash when selecting 2WD/4WD that means a shift motor issue, just FYI, in case that ever happens

 

[RonD]

Cut and weld seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-explorer-8-8-inch-rear-axle-swap/

Under axle springs seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/explorer-8-8-rear-end-swap-no-weld/