4WD Not Engaging

[88fordRanger]

hi, i have a 1988 ranger 2.9L v6. my 4wd is not engaging. i have the electronic 4wd button on the cieling. it does have power going to it, because it lights up and makes the click sound when you push the button. only problem is its not engaging.... the truck was leaking water from the sides of the roof due to rust about a month ago when it stopped working. i have fixed the holes so i no longer have roof leaks. my dad thinks that its the module in the dash that isnt functioning but im not quite sure if thats it or what... i inherited the truck from my dad about a year ago, and hes been a mechanic for 30 years so he pretty much knows all bout it, lol... the problem is, hes never had this problem before and he doesnt care about looking into it... when he got the truck and it was about 2 years old, the transfer case broke twice and he had it replaced twice. He tells me that it is not the transfer case that is acting up. Any help would be appreciated.

thanks - Justin

 

[Nhaz]

The shifter motor on those transfer cases need service every now and then. They get dry and stiff. Its also possible the brushes on the motor need replacing.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TCaseshiftmotor.htm

 

[88fordRanger]

Thank you very much. I will look further into this tomorrow. I'll get back with you when I find out if this is the problem

 

[Nhaz]

Its a 12 volt motor. So when you get it off and the small gear box apart you can apply 12 volts to the correct leads and watch it spin. or not => That will tell you fast if you need to take it apart any further then the gearbox. The two I have taken apart only needed the gearbox greased.

I also recommend when you get it apart you replace those secure Torx with a Robertson or Phillips screw (That is the correct size! no wood screws!). And cover the head of the screw up with a dollop of grease for anti corrosion purposes.

 

[EnglishDan]

The small plastic stop inside the shift motor has probably broken! Take the shift motor apart and check - easy repair!