• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

4x4 not working in my 1993 Ford ranger xlt manual v6 4.0L


Richard869

New Member
Law Enforcement
Joined
Jan 18, 2022
Messages
21
Reaction score
7
Points
3
Location
St. Marys Pennsylvania
Vehicle Year
2011
Make / Model
Ford Ranger XLT
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My 4wd does not work whatsoever. The only time the 4x4 orange light is illuminated is when I first start the truck and it does it’s test cycle but even then it doesn’t always light up. I replaced the shift motor and even bought a new 4x4 switch off eBay. I can’t seem to figure out what the issue is.
 

Attachments



ericbphoto

Overlander in development
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
15,215
Reaction score
16,352
Points
113
Age
59
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.
Often, through lack of use, the brushes and contacts in the motor gearbox get corroded and dirty. These are what tells the controller what position your transfer case is in. Also, if I recall correctly, there are 2 different fuses to check. One for the controller and one for motor power. There is a pretty good troubleshooting article in our tech library to help you troubleshoot this.

 

rumblecloud

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2020
Messages
1,385
Reaction score
1,106
Points
113
Location
48022
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ranger Splash
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
1-1/2 inch front leveling
Total Drop
Stock
Tire Size
31/10.50/15
My credo
What's the worst that could happen?
Might wanna check the connector down by the motor and make sure it's all clean and tidy. If you replaced the motor, chance are it's ok, but it won't hurt to check. I've gone through motor replacement a couple of times. As Eric says, make sure you cyle it regularly to keep it functioning.

It looks like you still have auto locking hubs? How is that possible on a '93? Nice looking truck BTW.

Welcome to TRS.
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,695
Reaction score
12,390
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
If all that checks out, time to chase wires and make sure there isn’t a break in one of them. It could be a corroded terminal in a connector too. So, don’t over look that.
 

bobbywalter

TRS Technical Staff
TRS Event Staff
V8 Engine Swap
TRS Technical Advisor
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Ugly Truck of Month
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 9, 2007
Messages
23,470
Reaction score
4,667
Points
113
Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
Or the control module friction points wires are corroded.. just work them on and off a few times and some contact cleaner
 

Richard869

New Member
Law Enforcement
Joined
Jan 18, 2022
Messages
21
Reaction score
7
Points
3
Location
St. Marys Pennsylvania
Vehicle Year
2011
Make / Model
Ford Ranger XLT
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Thanks for the tips everyone, I'll let you know what I find out
 

Richard869

New Member
Law Enforcement
Joined
Jan 18, 2022
Messages
21
Reaction score
7
Points
3
Location
St. Marys Pennsylvania
Vehicle Year
2011
Make / Model
Ford Ranger XLT
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Update;
I took a chance and ordered a transfer case control module off of ebay, and unplugged the old and plugged in the new one and now my 4x4 is back. I did all the testing according to this article but it was showing it was getting power to the module but the module wasn't sending power to the transfer case shift motor to engage the 4wd. Thank you everyone who helped!

Ford Ranger 4x4 Module Diagnosis (1994 & Older) - The Ranger Station
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top