'86 Ranger

[trphinney]

I have an '86 Ranger 2.3L with the Ford/Mazda manual gearbox that has been converted from a 2wd to a 4wd. I have recently learned that the switch on the transfer case just above the shift control stud is for a 4wd indicator light. I had just plugged in the connector from what came unhooked from the original 2wd gearbox (I think it had something to do w/ a neutral safety switch - but I am about convinced that the neutral safety switch is connected to the clutch pedal, and seems that it would be the only switch that it needs to do its job?). The question still remains about what was the function of that 2 wire switch with the 2wd gearbox (knowing that the only other wiring on the gearbox or transfer case is for the back up light - or some had a 2 wire plug on the speedo cable bracket for cruise control, which mine does not have). I realize that I can hook up the 4wd indicator light switch to a light bulb and see if it functions right, but what I want to know is where the 4wd dashboard indicator light is located on the '86 Ranger? On the 2wd ver., it may not have been included in the cluster, however most shadowed panels seem like they would include it, and just not use it (the shadowed panel cluster w/ the emission warning lamp, temp., prkg. brake lamp, etc...). Most likely easier to just wire in an after market light somewhere in the dashboard, but if the feature is there, I will try to use it.? How about a Ranger Station reply.

 

[adsm08]

The 4x4 tell tales are in the center box between the round gauges, about half way down. I think they are side by side, 4x4 in the left column, low range is either next to or below it (can't remember, mine works when it wants to). The two wire switch that you are describing I believe is the neutral sense switch which is only there to let the computer know if the trans is in a gear during cranking, which seems to me to be about the most useless piece of information ever, but Ford thinks the computer needs to know, and if the switch goes bad or is unplugged is won't crank at all.

 

[trphinney]

I did elliminate the two wires that were used for the switch on the 2wd gearbox, and as long as the clutch is in, the starting system still seems to do its job (thankful for that). I was then able to do some re-routing/adding to part of that minor harness up to the tell tales. As you said, the two 4wd indicators were there. By using an old miniture bulb socket I'd saved from some former Volvo hardware, a trip to Schucks for miniture bulbs (and a pack of fuses later), I got the tell tale to work correctly. Thanks for your tip.. Merry Christmas !

 

[adsm08]

glad I could help.