4WD no go in snow

[docmakwa]

We just had a nice snow here in central Va. I drove my 2001 Ranger in to work yesterday and when I got stuck and needed the 4WD and turned the switch to 4H, nothing happened. No light, no click, no move.

Since I was stopped, I shifted to neutral and switched to 4L, the light came on and I heard it click, then I switched to 4H and was able to go.

I tried it to switch to 4H on the way home just to check and again nothing. Traveling about 25 mph on gravel road with snow and ice cover.

I read around on this forum and others, I'm thinking the shift motor is sticking.
Never had any problem before. The truck is not really driven that much, only 54K on it. I'm not much of a mechanic but can usually follow directions.

Please, any advice or comment is welcome.

 

[97ranger4x4]

First off welcome to TRS! You will find plenty of information from basic repairs to completly custom engine and suspension work.

Now to your problem. It looks like your shift motor on your transfer case needs to be cleaned. Click me to learn about how to clean the shift motor on your transfer case. On the homepage, you can do some searching in the Technical Library for information about other parts of your truck. This will be good for you to make sure to keep that truck in good running order.

Hope this helps!
Keith

 

[SHAKE&BAKE]

Had Same Problem

Mine would go into 4x4 then one day it wouldnt then it would etc... i lifted the truck up {after checking everything else}and took tires off,then pressurewashed the hell out of it . i had no idea how much dirt ,mud,etc... can build up .anyways it might be a fluke but i have not had a problem in over 1 year{and i like to play in the mud}