4x4 question

[Dr.TnK]

Hi All,

I'm new to 4x4. Just bought a 94' Ranger 4x4 Automatic with locking hubs. The cluster has a "4x4" and "low range" button. When I test drove it I put it in neutral and pressed the low range button it showed up on the dash and the truck went into low range. Well I got home and put it up on 4 jack stands to verify 4x4 was functional. "4x4" button works fine. All 4 tires spin. But for some reason now the low range button doesn't do anything. Dash light won't illuminate and the truck does not switch into low range, only the back tires spin. Is this abnormal? Or does the truck need the weight on the suspension and friction of the tires to activate low range. Would love to hear everyone's thoughts.

I am planning to do an overhaul on all the 4x4 components so if you have suggestions on what to look out for/replace or any tips/tricks on getting it restored I would love to hear them

 

[bobbywalter]

wiggle the wires

 

[SenorNoob]

IDK if this makes any sense or not, but is it possible that without tension the shifter motor overruns and doesn't actually stop where it should?

 

[Dr.TnK]

Tried this on the switch wiring, didn't work. I took off the dash bezel and removed the 4x4 switch. The plug into the switch looks like the picture below. Terminal 8 in the picture shows ZERO voltage for me. Terminal 7 does show battery voltage.

I'm at an awe. How could simply driving the truck 20 miles home cause a wiring gremlin. Anyone have a wiring diagram of the 4x4 so I can trace back and try to find the issue? My Haynes manual doesn't have it.

 

[SenorNoob]

I suspect these are where you got the previous picture but,

therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-4x4-module-diagnosis-1994-older/

Checking 4WD Shift Module Circuits (1994-Older) - The Ranger Station

There are three wiring connectors connected to the electronic control module: the eight-wire pigtail harness connector; the five-wire harness connector; and the eight-wire harness connector. To check the integrity of these circuits, disconnect the harnesses from the electronic control … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

Transfer Case Troubleshooting - The Ranger Station

Are you having trouble with the transfer case in your 1983-2011 Ford Ranger 4x4? Here's how to troubleshoot it and find the problem.

www.therangerstation.com

[

 

[Dr.TnK]

I suspect these are where you got the previous picture but,

therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-4x4-module-diagnosis-1994-older/

Checking 4WD Shift Module Circuits (1994-Older) - The Ranger Station

There are three wiring connectors connected to the electronic control module: the eight-wire pigtail harness connector; the five-wire harness connector; and the eight-wire harness connector. To check the integrity of these circuits, disconnect the harnesses from the electronic control … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

Transfer Case Troubleshooting - The Ranger Station

Are you having trouble with the transfer case in your 1983-2011 Ford Ranger 4x4? Here's how to troubleshoot it and find the problem.

www.therangerstation.com

[

That first link is gold. Thank you I will try some troubleshooting tomorrow

 

[Dr.TnK]

I suspect these are where you got the previous picture but,

therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-4x4-module-diagnosis-1994-older/

Checking 4WD Shift Module Circuits (1994-Older) - The Ranger Station

There are three wiring connectors connected to the electronic control module: the eight-wire pigtail harness connector; the five-wire harness connector; and the eight-wire harness connector. To check the integrity of these circuits, disconnect the harnesses from the electronic control … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

Transfer Case Troubleshooting - The Ranger Station

Are you having trouble with the transfer case in your 1983-2011 Ford Ranger 4x4? Here's how to troubleshoot it and find the problem.

www.therangerstation.com

[

Ok so I followed the troubleshooting guide and found an issue. In "4×4 System Diagnosis – 1994 And Older (Submitted by Chris1044):" under Diagnostics: #4 - a. testing the neutral safety switch. Resistant wasn't high on the ohms meter it just did not detect anything. Ohms meter stayed as open line when I shifted into neutral.

So then I said to myself - if the neutral switch is bad I shouldn't be able to start the truck in neutral. And I was right! The truck will not start in neutral. Only in park.

Now here's the issue .. I cannot for the life of me find out where the neutral safety switch is located. My transmission is an A4LD and the automatic is column shift. I looked at my shift linkage on the driver's side of the transmission under the vehicle, not there. Scoured the internet for diagrams and can't find anything. Is it in the steering column? Thoughts?

 

[SenorNoob]

I haven't had much experience with the A4LD, but it should be on the transmission. Same physical switch that makes for park. Just multiple contacts inside.

Should look something like this:

That's a Standard NS44