newer 4x4

[werewolf]

I need some help. i just bought a 02 4x4 ranger. Of course they said everything works. I tried the fwd after work to day. And its not working, or at least low range. when you switch it to 4high and 4low the light on the dash comes on but it don't fill like it's in fwd. my 87 ranger and 78 f150 has the manual linkage and locking hubs. when you turn them or have them in low range you know it. don't know about all this elec. crap. any help would be nice. and thanks this is a very good web site.

 

[RonD]

I believe "all this elec. crap" is the technical name Ford uses when discussing their "shift on the fly" 4WD setup.
Yes, manual is better

'02 will have "live axle" up front, meaning axle is always turning with front wheels.
On the back of the transfer case is an electric motor that shifts the transfer case.
This is basically what it looks like: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TCaseshiftmotor.shtml

You should feel it pull around corners if you are in 4hi
2 fuse are used
In the engine fuse box check fuse #13 20amp 4x4 control module
Inside fuse panel check #5 15amp 4x4 control module

These #'s are from '02 Mazda so..........

I am not familiar with the '02 setup, but on the older ones if the light changed it meant the motor had moved, there are contacts on the motor's gear that had to connect for the light to change.

The shift control module seems to a problem on newer Rangers, it is behind the dash in '02.
This video shows '02 Explorer not sure if it is in the same location but seems easy enough to check: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZw3SS2Pt-4

Usually lights will not work at all or be intermittent with a module issue.

 

[werewolf]

modules

yeah just got my 2002 4x4 ranger. I checked the fuses that you told me about #13&#5. they are ok, but i have seen when i put it in 4hi the light on the dash comes on, and you can here a relay click. But when you put it in 4low no light and no relay clicking. i checked my module and the number on mine is 1L54-7H417-AE. i have looked at some on ebay and there are a lot of them but they all have different numbers. what numbers will work. thanks

 

[RonD]

2001 to 2005 4x4 control module, all Rangers, all Mazda B-series, and some Explorers used this one.

Look for:
1L54-7H417-AC
1L54-7H417-AD
1L54-7H417-AE

 

[naford]

I'm not sure if you know. But to go from 4 high to 4 low the truck has to be stopped, with your foot on the brake, and the truck in neutral. At least that is the way it is for an automatic transmission. What I found with my 02 is that I need to exercise the shift motor throughout the year. Just going from 2 wheel, to 4 wheel high, and to 4 wheel low.