4x4 won't disengage on 01 Ranger

[5.0gray90']

i just bought a 2001 Ranger 4.0L 4x4 with 162000. Trans was rebuilt at 155000. the truck had been sitting for a couple of months, and when i test drove the truck, it didnt seem like the 4 wheel drive was engaging, but the owner swore it was working. when i went to buy it, it was in 4hi because it was parked in melting snow and the 4x4 worked, but when i drove off it stayed in 4wd even when i switched it to 2wd. Ive tryed switching it back and going in reverse, no luck. anybody have an idea?? it is in 4wd right now and i cant get it out. thanks!

 

[pcollins]

Your shift motor is most likely all seized up cause the guy never used it until you bought the truck.

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

 

[5.0gray90']

also, there is no 4x4 lights that come on on the instrament cluster. i dont want to throw a ton of parts at it, ive been reading and there is also a control module that could be the problem??

 

[5.0gray90']

got to look at it tonight, and i pulled the cluster to see if the bulbs were burnt out, they are not. i took the switch apart and it seemed fine.. so im leaning toward the control module or the motor on the transfer case.. anyone have an idea?

 

[pcollins]

Take the motor apart and clean it up as per that article, It can only save you money if it fixes it.

 

[hondaxr650]

Do the lights even come on when starting the truck? They should "prove out" when turning the key on and starting the truck. If they don't, I'd lean towards the control module behind the passenger kick panel. I've replaced quite a few of them on 01-02 Rangers, as have other techs at my dealership.

 

[5.0gray90']

no the lights do not come on at all.

 

[5.0gray90']

is there any way to check if the module is good before i go spend $100 on one?

 

[chen]

Check the fuse or fuses. On my 96 the fuse panel is left of the dash, #17.

I removed the little motor on the case, and hot wired the motor to see if it works, and it does, but not good. Yesterday I removed the 3 small screws that connect the gear and wires to the motor. Inside I could see the worm gear that turns the little ring gear, dry of grease, making the motor strain to turn.
I put in new grease and hot wired it again to let it spin, motor seems ok now.
My truck has 150,000 miles.

 

[5.0gray90']

today i put the truck back on the ground after doing the brakes.. took it down the road and when i backed it up to move it, it popped outa 4x4. so now i can drive it, but i still need to figure it out. still doesnt have a light on the dash, even on startup