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4WD not working, please help me to get this fixed


ericbphoto

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1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
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3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
The fact that you got it to work the other day indicates that you are close to having it fixed. The motor is not hard to disassemble, clean, relube and re-assemble. I might have posted a picture or two in my build thread. I'll look in a minute.

You could also have a loose wiring connection somewhere. Maybe dirt, moisture and corrosion on the connector at the motor.

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ericbphoto

Overlander in development
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Age
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Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Here is a picture of mine in pieces. It works great now.


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1930

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Leaving work yesterday and again the 4x4 worked with no issues or lights. How would it not work in the A.M and work in the P.M?

Truck was not moved in between, how could something have shifted?

Im just trying to determine if it is the motor?

If I need to look at something else maybe and what that something else might be?
 

Denisefwd93

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Location
South East PA
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
stock, may get leveling springs in front "somday"
Tire Size
235
It could be because it warms up. You probably should look for an automotive electrical shop. Ranting on the Forum and its members probably isn't going to help you much more then it has so far.
 

1930

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It could be because it warms up. You probably should look for an automotive electrical shop. Ranting on the Forum and its members probably isn't going to help you much more then it has so far.
I'll get it myself. Not sure what you mean by ranting but ok

I think your right in that it has something to do with heating up
 

Denisefwd93

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Location
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1994
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
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Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
stock, may get leveling springs in front "somday"
Tire Size
235
You are at a point where it's time to physically start checking. lets say repeating.. rather then ranting. online help can only do so much, not like they are there with you. Good luck!
 

RonD

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Leaving work yesterday and again the 4x4 worked with no issues or lights. How would it not work in the A.M and work in the P.M?

Truck was not moved in between, how could something have shifted?

Im just trying to determine if it is the motor?

If I need to look at something else maybe and what that something else might be?
I think readers are just frustrated that you are not testing anything to determine the problem, no volt meter or ohm meter tests at the shift motor

Just turning the dash knob and saying now it works and now it doesn't is not really testing anything :)

You understand we can not test for you
We can only read what you post and then give a best GUESS for what the problem is.


Flashing 4WD lights, intermittent shift motor operation, good fuses = shift motor is failing as most likely answer
Not 100% just most likely, and that's the best WE can do, it is up to YOU now
 

1930

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I think readers are just frustrated that you are not testing anything to determine the problem, no volt meter or ohm meter tests at the shift motor

Just turning the dash knob and saying now it works and now it doesn't is not really testing anything :)

You understand we can not test for you
We can only read what you post and then give a best GUESS for what the problem is.


Flashing 4WD lights, intermittent shift motor operation, good fuses = shift motor is failing as most likely answer
Not 100% just most likely, and that's the best WE can do, it is up to YOU now
I understand and sorry for that, I was just sharing what I was experiencing thinking it might provide more clues
 

1930

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I'll remove the motor tonight and have more specific questions about diving into it tomm. No problem if I've exhausted any help though, I'll get it.
 

RonD

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We will always help but there was nothing new to help with
 

Denisefwd93

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Ford
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4.0
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Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
stock, may get leveling springs in front "somday"
Tire Size
235
I have to someday start checking it on my truck. Already know the wires are cracked cut and disconnected down there. but it's not a priority at this time. I did run the self check on the module. (up to 94 and older are pre GEM modules I think)
 

RonD

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Yes, 1994 and older used 4x4 control module with relays in it, so just the 3 parts
Dash switch, 4x4 control module, and shift motor

1995 thru 2000 used the GEM as 4x4 controller, and separate relay box, so had 4 parts

2001 saw new 4x4 controller with relays so back to 3 parts again, lol.
These 2001 and up 4x4 modules were more likely to be the failure point but shift motors left unused for long periods were still a prime failure point
 
Last edited:

Denisefwd93

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Location
South East PA
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1994
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
stock, may get leveling springs in front "somday"
Tire Size
235
Ron that's engineering Incredible or incredible engineering depending how you look at lol, just to avoid a few levers and handles...
 

RonD

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Its for "on the fly 4WD" can't do that with manual shifting, well not a good idea to do it :)

Like automatic transmissions, they are stronger than manuals and easier for most people to operate so have a purpose but...........way more complex that manual transmission
 

Denisefwd93

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Location
South East PA
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
stock, may get leveling springs in front "somday"
Tire Size
235
Shift on the Fly just doesn't seem to make sense, My guess, shift-on-the-fly it's right in there with electric windows without a manual override lol.

How come nobody's invented a crank to fit on the end of the shifter motor? Lol "manual override" [emoji848]
 
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