Auto 4x4 clicks a lot, but doesn't engage

[Dingbat]

On my 97 Ranger, years ago flipping the switch to 4x4 was followed by a couple clicks, and 4x4 engaging. For the past couple years, it's been getting worse. Now it just clicks and clicks and clicks. Sometimes it eventually engages, but if it doesn't and I let it go long enough, it stops and the 4x4 lights blink.

In one of the hubs, the o-ring that seals it up was busted several years ago, and I have since been making a new one with silicone every year or so, since it just falls apart over time. I can tell by the back side of the wheel that grease is getting out, but there still seems to be a lot inside, so I don't know if the problem may be just a lack of grease.

So what exactly is the clicking? Is it some sort of a relay or is that the shift motor? Any one else ever had a problem like this? I haven't found any posts on here quite like this.

Also, what's this talk I'm seeing about having to back up to disengage auto locking hubs? I don't believe my manual says anything about this. I never do this, and I can tell it's disengaged due to rear wheel spin.

 

[pillen140]

Also, what's this talk I'm seeing about having to back up to disengage auto locking hubs? I don't believe my manual says anything about this. I never do this, and I can tell it's disengaged due to rear wheel spin.

the transfer case will disengage, but the hubs only lock the axles, so you would get rear spin anyway.... doesnt mean your hubs are unlocked.

 

[AKBroncoII]

Your shift motor is dirty or shot. Replace or take out and clean.

 

[Dingbat]

Replacing the motor doesn't look too hard, except for the wire going into the transfer case. There doesn't appear to be any way to remove it. Can't find much information on it other than someone saying to cut it. Surely it can be removed somehow?

 

[Ike4x4]

i read somewhere that you can disassemble the wire connector and take out the correct wire and pin. i wish i would have done that. i just cut it and crimped a connector on it, but that can fail due to corrosion from water getting in there and it makes it even harder to get it off and clean the next time...cause there will be a next time. i do it once a year almost...

 

[Donnie strickland]

On my 97 Ranger, years ago flipping the switch to 4x4 was followed by a couple clicks, and 4x4 engaging. For the past couple years, it's been getting worse. Now it just clicks and clicks and clicks. Sometimes it eventually engages, but if it doesn't and I let it go long enough, it stops and the 4x4 lights blink.



So what exactly is the clicking? Is it some sort of a relay or is that the shift motor? Any one else ever had a problem like this? I haven't found any posts on here quite like this.

See this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123542

I had this problem on my '94 Ranger. The little bump-stop inside the shift motor had disintegrated. When this happens, the computer doesn't know what position the circuit board is in, so it stops working as a a safety measure and flashes the lights to tell you something's wrong. I followed the steps for the rebuild procedure and all is still well 3 years later. I used a little length of neoprene fuel line to replace my bump-stop.

I cut that one wire and soldered some connectors back on it, but crimp connectors would work also.