4x4 just stopped working

[RumpRanger98]

99 ranger xlt 4x4 5 speed v6 3.0L

Ive never actually used it out driving around but it was working before. I get the flashing 4wd lights 6 times every 2 minutes now.

I checked the fuses, I dont know what ones to check, but I checked them all, they are fine. No manual with my truck so I dont know what ones are the right ones.

I dont hear anything when I move the switch over to 4hi or 4 low. I use to hear it engage the 4x4 thing when I would do that.

I have never owned a 4x4 vehicle and have no idea what to check.

Thanks guys

 

[RumpRanger98]

ok so I dont know wtf is going on but its working now. apparently I have an electrical issue somewhere.

 

[c_note]

it could be ur vacuum hubs. you have to engage it in 4wd atleast once a month to lubricate the internals. you could upgrade to the AVM manual hubs. i think u can find them on ebay still.

 

[RumpRanger98]

I should probably put all 4 wheels in air on jack stands and see if the wheels are actually moving.

Id prefer to keep the auto locking hubs, at least for now.

You guys reccomend anything maintanence like that I could do to my 4wd system to ensure its working and will continue to work.

c_note, do I have to drive around the block with it in 4wd hi or just fire the truck up and toggle the switch a couple times?

 

[c_note]

drive it around but i dont recommend doing it on pavement. just drive it for a hundred yards or so on gravel or dirt or anything else besides pavement.

 

[RumpRanger98]

I cant think of any places relatively close to me that has a dirt road or gravel.

guess ill have to go patrol for a gravel alley, i know theres a few around here somewhere

question about the manual hubs. do you still have to put the switch inside to 4hi or 4lo and lock the hubs?

 

[paversano]

4x4 Stopped Working?

It's amazing, I live in Patagonia, South Argentina, and I do 4x4 tours round the region as an afficionate. I bought this pick up as a tough yet low repair price pick up.

I had the same problem short ago, and at first I could solve it by disconecting the battery and retrying. It seems like the computer tries to hook the 4x4 3 times (you can hear it), and if it fails all 3 times it won't try again, it will just blink on the panel but don't even try to move the electric engine that engages the 4x4.

So when you unplug the battery, the computers resets itself and tries to hook the 4x4 system again. You do it over and over while in real slow motion (even slower than in first gear) until it hooks finally, and once it does, for some time you'll be able to unhook and hook it again normally.

And for the next one, dont let it fail 3 times. You hear it, and if after the second try it doesn't engage the 4wd, you can set it back to 4x2 and retry a few seconds later. That's easier then unpluging the battery.

In the end, it will fail permanently, and you'll have to replace the vacuum hob. This is just a tip to get you on the move for the moment.

Finally, never do it on pavement or other well traction ground, or at least if you do so, don't ever turn direction 'cause both wheels run always at same speed. It doesn't work like rear ones.

Best luck.
Pablo.