1997 4.0 4x4 still doesn't work

[foppyock]

Have been chasing 4x4 issue with this truck for weeks, replaced all fuses, shift motor, replaced switch in dash, and finally the GEM module. 4x4 lights have only came on once, right after replacing the gem, reconnecting the battery and starting the truck. 4x4 hi and low both worked for about 2 minutes while the truck was relearning its idle. Then the 4x4 lights turned off and would no longer switch back to 2wd. Unhooked battery and nothing, unplugged and replugged in new GEM, and same thing, work for 2 minutes then gone. Now the 4x4 will not switch, or light up even after disconnecting and reconnecting battery and the GEM. What else could the problem be? I wouldn't think its the relays in the dash because 4x4 lights are not flashing? Any help please? Thank you!

 

[franklin2]

Not sure about the newer trucks. but on my 86 with the electronic shift, all the problems with it were out on the driver's side inner fender where all those electrical plugs are located.

Seems in all those plugs was also the wiring leading down to the shift motor. I do not know if you notice, my 86 ranger AND my 84 BII both had this problem; Neither one of these vehicles had a shield from the lower part of the inner fender to the frame. When you make a left turn and are driving in the rain and the salt and muck, when you move forward in the left turn the back of the front tire throws all that water and junk right onto all that electrical there on the inner fender. I found a couple of corroded wires there that caused the electronic shift problems.

On both, I cut a piece of rubber and bolted it to the inner fender and let it lay over the frame and the steering shaft area. No more junk getting thrown onto the electrical plugs up there.

Try unplugging some of that stuff and see how bad it is.