electronic 4x4 not working - have replaced shift motor and control module

[GMillion$]

After a day of wheelin and a fire, i jumped back in my 94 (my daily driver) to head home and noticed that neither the 4x4 or low range light were on (left in low range when i parked it), but that i was still in low range.

After limping home on the shoulder of Canada's deadliest stretch of highway (Hwy 63 north of Fort McMurray) doing 60kph @ 3500rpm and cussing out those stupid ****ing push buttons the whole way, i logged on here and learned that electronic t-cases are shit and that it was either the shift motor or control module.

So: replaced shift motor with the one off my project rig (also a 94, 4x4 worked fine) and no dice. Replaced control module and same deal. Tapped shift motor, not hearing any clicks from the control module, clutch in brake on e-brake on in neutral - still nothing. Also replaced the 4x4 switch, too.

Since I've owned the truck, the 4x4 light on the switch was always half-lit when in 2hi, and continues to be. Since my problem started, when the truck is turned off, the "low range" light below the speedo turns on, and it (or something else else) causes my battery to drain overnight.

I've tried to diagnose the control module using this site: http://www.ehow.com/how_4727493_troubleshooting-ford-ranger-4x4.html, but as soon as i unplug the two plugs, the LED light just turns off. With either control module, i pretty much get the same results.

Short of just swapping in a manual t-case (or crawlin under with pliers every time), what else can i try?

 

[SAY789]

Mine did the same thing turns out i broke a ground off under my heel on the drivers side floor pan right in front of the seat check that out

 

[ChrisR1S]

Try swapping out the switches on the dash?

 

[Guilius]

i had the same issue.
i even went so far as to replace the entire GEM in the dash behind the radio and still didnt fix my problem.
called an electrician friend who does car electrical all day, in his sleep, with one arm tied behind his back and still coulsnt find anything wrong.

after a month of being pissed off, i went to a junkyard, got a 200.00 Manual transfer case with the linkage and theshifter, and bolted it right up. was a direct swap and took us 30 minutes!

no more half assed lights, no more shift knob not working in the dash....
just pull back on the nice shifter stick and....oh my god! it's in 4 hi or 4 low like it should be!

 

[GMillion$]

SAY789: I'm gonna look for that tonight. Is the 4x4 control module or motor fused? I couldn't find anything in the haynes manual, or by poking around.

ChrisR1S: yup. no dice!

Guilius: I'm just about there! I found a manual t-case for $250, but this is my daily driver, which i'm trying not to throw too much cash at so i can build the deathwagon proper. but i guess i've already messed that up buy by buying rancho 9000's and 33" goodyear duratracs! (if i gotta drive it every day, it may as well have nice rubber...)

anyway, looks like i need to buy 2 manual t-cases, so the rig has one too!

you guys would get a kick out of my temp fix. i set the case into 4hi and then made a plate that bolts up to the 3 holes for the motor and locks the keyway in place. without something keeping the keyway locked in place, it'll jump out into neutral... ask me how i know!!