Transfer Case motor replacement tips

[Tuscdave]

2011 Ranger 4x4 light on, but is in 2 wheel. No audible click from switch when moved from. Fuse is good. Going to replace transfer case motor. Do I need to address the 4x4 light when replacing transfer case motor?

 

[Curious Hound]

The light is controlled by contacts in the motor housing assembly. If your problem is, indeed the motor, then replacing it should correct the indicator lights.

It is possible to open the switch contacts section of the motor assembly and clean it and re-lubricate the worm gear assembly for better operation. There are some articles in our tech section addressing troubleshooting and repair of this system.

Transmission, Transfer Case & Driveshaft - The Ranger Station

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[Tuscdave]

Thank you Eric. Ordered replacement motor this morning, am going to check the tech section for future reference.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

I would pull the shift motor and plug it back in, then try using the dash switch to change its position

No "click" noise from 4x4CM(control module), behind radio, and no flashing 4WD lights on dash, would seem to point at a 4x4CM issue, not shift motor issue

Then pull the shift motor out, take it to battery and apply 12v and ground to the Orange(brown) and Yellow(grey) wires, the 2 wires that go to electric motor
It should move, reverse polarity and it should move the other way
If so shift motor is OK


The system only has 3 parts
The dash switch, which never breaks, just 3 resistors inside
The 4x4CM, behind radio in 2011, known issue
The shift motor, these do fail from disuse, should be used once a month just sitting in driveway

When the 4x4CM gets a voltage change from the dash switch, it close a relay inside(the click) to send 12volts to the shift motor
If the shift motor doesn't start to move instantly, 4x4CM will start to Flash the 4WD lights on the dash, indicating a problem
Could be shift motor fuse or shift motor itself

If there is no "click" and no flashing 4WD lights then first stop would be 4x4CM not the shift motor