2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 Not Working

[peytia]

About a year ago I inherited a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT from my grandpa with a 4.0 L to drive it. The 4x4 has never worked.
When I start the truck up, neither of the 4x4 lights are lit up. I have manually shifted it into 4x4 by taking the motor off and shifting it with a wrench, and it worked just fine from what I remember. I just replaced the shifter motor today with no change in its function.
A lot of the posts on here mentioned faulty 4x4 pcm’s and switches but a lot of the posts confused me and I wanted to ask for help directly. Is there any way I can check these systems before i go out and dump a bunch of my money on parts that don’t need replacing? Thank you for the help in advance. I am happy to provide more information if needed.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

The switch rarely breaks, so forget that

Check fuses 5 and 10 in cab fuse box
Fuse 13 in Engine bay fuse box is for the shift motor, check it as well

The 2001 to 2005 did have issues with the 4x4CM(command module)
In 2001 -2003 its located behind the passenger side kick panel, says 4x4CM on the label
In 2004 and up its behind the radio

Looks like this: https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/...anger-Explorer-2dr-Transfer-Case-Computer.jpg

Dorman also sells a replace model
Wrecking yards are a roll of the dice unless they have a 10 or 30day exchange warranty, because these did fail, a used one may be bad

The 2006 and up 4x4CM were redesigned and will NOT work in the 2001-2005

The shift motor can wear out, but if they quit working you will usually get Flashing 4WD lights on the dash, that means 4x4CM and switch are working but motor isn't

No 4WD lights usually means 4x4CM is bad, as it controls the 4WD lights