'05 sticks in 4wd low

[Rimjam]

My buddy's '05 Ranger goes into 4wd hi & 4wd lo with no problem, but.... it won't disengage 4 lo without jacking up a front wheel & turning it by hand. I'm guessing it's something in the transfer case?

 

[sgtsandman]

The case and the internals are rarely an issue but won’t say it isn’t.

More than likely, it’s a shift motor issue. While you are there, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to change the transfer case fluid. It’s often neglected. 1.2 quarts are needed and some RTV to reseal the plug threads.

Take a look at the condition of the fluid when you do the change. If there is metal in the fluid, it might be a case issue after all.

 

[19Walt93]

Before you get too involved, check to make sure all the tires are the same diameter- measure them, don't go by the size. Second, if he's driving on a hard surface, the driveline will "wind up" and he'll need to back up to relieve the stress and let it come out of low range.

 

[dvdswan]

@19Walt93 I was thinking the same. Something binding keeping it from releasing.

 

[RangerNumber3]

You can try to back up for for a few yards to unbind the gears and then shift out. Worth a try.

 

[RonD]

Does the 4WD light on the dash Flash when trying to shift out of 4low?

If so that means the 4x4CM(controller) is not "seeing" the shift motor moving when it sent it 12volts/Ground
It's possible the transfer case is "jambed"
But it could also be the shift motor is out of adjustment

The shift motor turns a gear that rotates the shift rod in the transfer case
This gear has a Stop so it can't rotate too far
If its out of adjustment then when you shift to 4low the gear is turning too far and jambing up against this Stop

 

[Rimjam]

More info: 4 lo indicator light burns steady, 4 high light does not burn at all but truck goes into 4 high OK (bulb?). Truck won't disengage either 4wd position until one front tire is jacked off the ground. Don't yet know if some small movement of assy relieves the 'wind up'. Investigating.......

 

[RonD]

When you turn the key on all dash bulbs should come on for about 2 seconds, this is a dash bulb test, nothing more
But if the 4High bulb does not light up at that time its for sure burned out

Did you notice if the front driveshaft also turned/moved when front wheel was turned