4x4 Hi Lo flashing wont engage

[rburro2]

I have a 2000 3.0 4X4. Please help. The 4x4 hi lo lights flash 6 times every 2 minutes. It never goes away. When I first start the truck I hear some clicking in the dash so I assume the switch is working. This all started shortly after I replaced the rear dif pinion seal. Could this be related? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[RonD]

There could be a Hall effect sensor on the rear differential, and you have accidentally unhooked it, not sure on the 2000 Ranger.

Good read about other causes: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100

 

[rburro2]

Yes there is a sensor on the rear dif. There was a lot of dif oil everywhere from when the seal was leaking. Hoping I can disconnect the plug and clean it with contact cleaner. However? If I didn't torque the nut on rear dif properly when I replaced the pinion seal, could that cause this problem also? Unfortunately I wont be able to work on the truck until Thursday morning. To determine if this is the problem.

 

[RonD]

No, torque wouldn't matter.

Sensor reads a "tone ring" on the "crown gear"(larger gear)

Does speedometer work?
That sensor is also for speedo

 

[rburro2]

Yes speedo works. I'm hoping it is shorting do to the gear oil and after I clean it the problem will be fine. When the seal went oil was everywhere and I didn't notice the wire harness on top of the dif. The speedo is picked up at the trans right? or is it the sensor on the dif?

 

[RonD]

'98-'00 used the rear axle ABS speed sensor for speedometer and Computer, so no transmission sensor.
If speedo is working then rear axle sensor is not your issue.

Did you check the fuse in the link I posted.

 

[rburro2]

Yes the #26 fuse is good

 

[rburro2]

If the hubs lose the vaccum will that cause my symptoms? If so I saw a easy cheat to lock them until I can can manual locking hubs.

 

[rburro2]

Thank you RonD. I found a 20amp fuse #3 in the engine compartment blown. Lights not flashing anymore I heard the motor shift but don't think the hubs engaged. I'll verify that tomorrow when I can jack up the front end and chk it. Thank you for all your help. If there is a vacuum leak I know the quick fix, I'll order front lockers tomorrow.

 

[RonD]

Good work finding that fuse

Yes, PVH(pulse vacuum hubs) did have issues as they got older, but what or who doesn't, lol.

Yes, you can permanently lock them, not sure how permanent it is, i.e. if a plastic piece breaks

AVM makes conversion hubs for the '98-'00 PVH rangers: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/AVM_hub_swap.shtml

 

[cp2295]

You also don't need to jack the FE up simply just twist the cv axle and if it clicks back and forth you know you're locked in, if it spins freely then the hubs aren't locking