4x4 not engaging when in motion

[provin1327]

Hey everyone, I've got a 2006 Ranger XT 4.0L 4x4 and for some reason 4hi is not engaging when the vehicle is in gear and in motion. When I flip the 4x4 switch on the dash I hear two clicks in the dash, a 3 second pause, then two more clicks, then nothing, no 4x4 and no light on the dash. If I come to a stop and engage 4x4 it engages fine and the light on the dash turns on. Is there any sort of relay, fuse, or motor that is specific to the 4x4 engaging when in motion versus when not in motion?

 

[rubydist]

My 09 is doing the same thing. All the Rangers from 01 on (maybe earlier?) are shift on the fly so it should work moving or not. The shift motors get weak and don't want to move unless its easy, so they tend to get so they don't want to engage when its cold or when the truck is moving in my experience. Eventually, I will get a new motor or rebuild a junkyard one.

 

[19Walt93]

Before you buy a new transfescase motor, try giving it a few taps with a rubber hammer. Just taps, you're not splitting wood.

 

[DILLARD000]

4x4 ControlModule mounted in the dash or the right interior passenger KickPanel,
& 4x4 ShiftMotor on the backside of the 1354 TransferCase directly under the drivers seat floor,
are both notorious failure items for Explorers & Rangers.
DC motor brushes & control relay contacts wear out
& if you don't cycle the 2wHi~4wHi~4wLo at least once a month, the ShiftMotor tends to stick.
Unbolt the shift motor from the TransferCase, leaving the wire harness connected,
cycle dash control switch to confirm if ControlModule & ShiftMotor are working.
If Motor goes thru it's motions proper, problem is likely the Motor is weak & needs replacement.
If Motor does not cycle proper, problem is likely the ControlModule is bad & needs replacement.
Get FordMotorCraft# XXXX~XXXXX~XX off of both parts & google.
Several variations of Module & Motor are NOT compatible\interchangable; be sure first+middle part numbers match.
Each costs about $75 if you shop around. Both are relatively easy to replace.
Hope this helps. Links to more info on these at

Mechanical TransferCase

4WheelDriveTransferCase FordMotorCraft.1L54-7a195-ab Borg.13-54-000-029.5h ONLY Use AutoTransFluid Labeled "Dex\Merc\Mercon\MerconLV", 1q300=42oz, Valvoline\SuperTech DONT Use AutoTransFluid Labeled "MerconV" 4WheelDriveShiftMotor FordMotorCraft.1f24-17645-a\b FordMotorCraft.1L54-7g360-ca\cb...

2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com

 

[19Walt93]

I'll bet we didn't replace more than 4 or 5 transfercase motors during all the years Rangers had electric 4x4 and I don't remember ever replacing a 4x4 module. The key was occasionally shifting in and out of 4x4 during the summer months to prevent the motor from sticking, I used to engage 4x4 every week on my dirt road when I went to the dump. If I had been 15 years younger or drunk I would have attempted a cartwheel when automatic locking hubs disappeared, though.