4WD not working

[ochoam]

I cannot get my Ranger to switch into 4WD.

I have a 2011 5-speed manual 4.0L V6 ranger.

I replaced the transfer case motor and it worked for a little, but stopped again.

I check that the selector was rotating, it was, and the fuse was good, it was as well.

Any suggestions on where to start?

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

There are 3 fuses to check
1 in engine fuse box #27, 20amp, its for the shift motor
2 in the cab fuse box, #10(10amp) and #28(15 amp), these are for the 4x4 module behind the Radio, the part that "clicks" when you shift in and out of 4WD

1st most common failure is the shift motor, this is from lack of use, for future reference, shift from 2WD to 4low and back to 2WD once a month, don't have to drive it, just shift it sitting in the driveway, this keeps motors brushes clean and spreads out the gear lube

2nd most common is the 4x4 module, a common failure in 2001-2005 Rangers, the newer one, 2006-2011, was much better but...........could fail as well

The switch on the dash never failed unless you hit it with a hammer...........several times, it is just 3 resistors in a box


If shift motor fails the 4WD light on the dash should flash when you try to shift to or from 4WD
If no 4WD light flashes then fuses are blown or 4x4 module is, it controls the 4WD dash lights

In 2004 and up Rangers the 4x4 module is behind the Radio, so you need to pull it out

 

[ochoam]

When I turn it to 4H I get no dash light. I'm about to go check the engine box fuse.

 

[RonD]

Then its probably the 4x4 module

 

[ochoam]

I check the engine bay fuse and its good.

I do hear the 'clicking' when I turn the knob, so I guess its the 4x4 module.

Is there a guide on here to replace that?

 

[Ranger850]

check out the HOW TO TECH section

 

[RonD]

An no flashing 4WD lights?

4WD lights do work right?
There is a Bulb Test on all dash lights when you turn on the key, the 4WD lights should come on and then go off

Part number is 8L5Z-7E453-A fits 2007-2011 Ranger

Wrecking yards often have them removed already

Google: 2011 ford ranger install new radio

That will show you how to remove bezel and radio, 4x4 module will be behind the radio to the drivers side

Should be Black plastic with white label, label has "4x4CM" on it

 

[ochoam]

When I start her up the 4x4 and 4x4 low light both illuminate, so I do not have any flashing 4x4 lights

 

[ochoam]

Well I found a ChrisFix video on how to take the radio out, so now I just need a new module.

Thanks for the help so far, I'll update when I get the new module

 

[RonD]

Then its for sure the 4x4 control module

 

[ochoam]

https://imgur.com/a/g7tYj4E

I got it pulled out. It looks like the board is cooked, the tops of some of the components are wavy

 

[RonD]

Yes, it does look like some of the "magic smoke" may have gotten out.

Not sure of any way to test the 4x4 module.

 

[ochoam]

I've got one coming in tomorrow.

It's nice having a decent dealer near

 

[ochoam]

Installed the new module.

Still not working, but I dont hear the 'ticking' anymore

 

[ochoam]

Just double checked all the fuses and took apart and reassembled eveything just to be sure.

No luck