Dreaded PVH 4WD

[fastpakr]

I'm struggling to grasp how the LOW light would illuminate without the gear ratio actually changing. As far as I know, the light can't illuminate until the motor physically moves the case into the correct position, completing the circuit on the low range light.

 

[Mdeshaies]

So am I

 

[fixizin]

IIRC from the cutaway diagrams, there's a CHAIN in the t-case that's involved in the engagement of that super-low-ratio planetary gear arrangement. You seldom hear of the chain failing or falling off, but... it IS a chain.

OTOH, maybe the actuator shaft itself just sheared, and so while the shift-motor is indeed rotating to the correct "compass heading", there "just ain't nuttin' goan own" inside the t-case... default is 2WD.

BUT... let's not get crazy, or ahead of ourselves... STEP 1: DETERMINE if front drive shaft even turning in 4HI... if jacking all 4 wheels off the ground is too much hassle, put a chalk mark--or 4--on that front shaft, drive a few feet in 4HI, take a peek, do it again just to be sure you didn't do a perfect 360...

OR... if you're limber and have a vacant road/lot, just HANG OUT THE OPEN DOOR while driving 5MPH, with a hand mirror...

 

[don4331]

Well, you really only need to jack up one front tire and try to turn it to confirm if it is in 4WD or not. If it turns, you have a problem you need to identify.

If the wheel turns and not the CV shaft, you have a PVH issue.​

If the wheel turns, the CV shaft and CV shaft on other side turns, you have a PVH issue on the other side.​

If the wheel turns, the CV shaft and front drive shaft turn, you have a transfer case issue.​

I'd like to know what diagram you are looking at for the chain for the low ratio I have a BW1354 apart in my shop - its to be a parts donor for my tandem.

Engagement of the front axle, involves the motor turning a shaft with a rotary cam on it, the cam moves the shifter fork, which moves a collar to engaged position (or out). The collar incorporates a spring, so you can shift into position, without everything being exact lined up - then when you move, the difference in rotation will allow shift to complete. This allow the electric motor to complete its movement without concern over stalling and burning out.

The low range engagement is similar.

Now, because the motor has completed its movement, the sensor, thinks the truck is in 4Hi or Lo (as selected) and lights will come on appropriately, but if the collar's haven't moved, it might not have shifted. On the shift fork, there are a pair of plastic pads which allow for the collar spinning without wear. If your PVH Ranger hasn't been run/put into 4wd/run through deep water/run without oil, it is possible for the collar(s - either/both) to have rusted in place. Alternatively, the plastic pads might be destroyed, and then metal on metal contact (the shift fork is soft aluminum) would mean the collars are never moved into position. Lastly, there is the worn chain which will jump teeth - you probably could make it do that turning a tire, but you would be able to see large amounts of play turning tire e.g. quarter turn forward/back before resistance.

 

[fixizin]

Well, you really only need to jack up one front tire...

You are correct, and that is minimal jacking/standing, BUT... I once did borrow enough jack stands to put all 4 wheels in the air, and it was great fun, and I got a lot of shyt done with all that extra room!

I'd like to know what diagram you are looking at for the chain for the low ratio...

As you can tell, I've never actually been "inside" one, high-school frog-dissection style, hence the "IIRC"... but as to the diagram... my ageing memory tells me it was either here or f*rdr@ngerf*rum.com... but--at the end of da day--there IS a chain in there, doing "something or other", admit IT!... lol...