1990 ford ranger 4x4 , my 4wd doesn't work anymore.

[wagszrx]

I pushed the 4wd button and it doesn't work anymore. It has the 2.9 motor. any ideas what broke?

 

[sgtsandman]

I moved this to the Transfer Case and Locking Hubs section since that seems to be a better fit than the Mini Trucking (RWD only) section.

I would verify you are getting power to the switch and to the shift motor on the transfer case. If you are, it is probably a bad shift motor.

If not, you'll need to check the associated fuse and the wiring to see if it has blown (if blown, figure out why) or if the wiring has been damaged in some way. All it takes is a nick or pin hole in the insulation or water getting into the connector in some way to cause corrosion. Chances are, if the wiring is damaged, it will be more obvious than a pin hole or a nick.

Wiring troubleshooting can be frustrating. So take your time and inspect it well. It is better to find the problem than throwing parts and money at it that doesn't fix the problem.

The only other parts of the equation that could be a problem, but are usually not, are the 4X4 module or the switch itself being bad. That is not to say they can't be, only that they typically aren't the issue.

 

[Curious Hound]

Most likely the contacts in the shift motor gearbox are dirty. The motor needs to be exercised regularly to allow the brushes and contact surfaces to clean themselves.

Transfer Case Troubleshooting - The Ranger Station

Are you having trouble with the transfer case in your 1983-2011 Ford Ranger 4x4? Here's a Transfer Case Troubleshooting guide.

www.therangerstation.com

 

[wagszrx]

Ok thanks guys

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Usually the problem is the shift motor. I’ve also had a fuse blow and I’ve had the module that controls things go bad. Do you hear any relay clicking when you press the 4x4 high button? On the extended cab the module is behind/below the jump seat behind the drivers seat and there’s a self-test button on it. Make sure you don’t have a blown fuse too. Believe there’s both a fuse in the panel under the dash on the drivers side and a maxi out in the engine bay fuse panel.