1998 Ford Ranger 4x4 problem

[Redman9]

I am new here b ut I need aome help. I bought my first ford ranger last week. Its a 1998. The 4x4 hi/lo lights are flashing but the 4x4 is not engaging. I can hear the switch click in the truck when I turn the knob. But all the happena is the 4x4 hi/lo lights flash and it doesn't engage. Can anyone point me in the right direction to fix this?

 

[Uncle Gump]

There are several diagnostic in the Tech Library...

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/transmission-transfer-case-driveshaft/

 

[JohnnyO]

Most likely the problem is the electric shift motor on the side of the transfer case. Not a big deal to fix. Typically they go bad from not being used. On all the Rangers and Sport Tracs I've owned I've always shifted into 4-Hi once a month and just drove down the last block of my street and shifted back to 2wd to exercise the shift motor and t-case. Low range maybe every other month. Never had a problem.