Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

no 4 low

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 25, 2018 | 05:14 PM
  #1  
eckart's Avatar
eckart
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 582
Likes: 5
From: Kelowna B.C.
no 4 low

Im working on my sons 1998 ranger extracab atuo 4.0 4x4. it was stuck in 4 low. would not shift. I pulled the shift motor manually shifted the tcase to 2wd and put on a know good but used shift motor. the truck shift to and from 4 hi no problem but will not shift into 4 low. swapped out the 4x4 relay and brake switch....because I had one. Help. what all does computer need to see to shift into low. what should I check. yes truck is in neutral foot on the brake. thanks for any help
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2018 | 08:05 PM
  #2  
Rockledge's Avatar
Rockledge
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Transfer Case

The four wheel drive system is an electronic shift 4X4 system that allows the operator to choose between three different modes. The operator can switch 4X4 HIGH modes at any speed. To engage or disengage 4X4 LOW the vehicle speed must be less than 5 kph (3 mph), the brake depressed, and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL. The shift motor sense plate, an integral part of the electronic shift motor, informs the generic electronic module (GEM) of the transfer case shift motor and contact plates A, B, C and D position. The digital transmission range (TR) sensor is located on the LH side of the transmission, and informs the GEM when the transmission is in the NEUTRAL position. The electronic shift motor is mounted externally at the rear of the transfer case. It drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork within the transfer case between the 4X4 HIGH, 4X4 LOW and 2WD range positions. When the GEM verifies the completion of the transfer case shift from 2WD to 4X4 HIGH (reading the contact plate positions), the GEM will then energize both pulse vacuum hublock (PVH) solenoids (supplying ground for 45 seconds). The PVH solenoid will allow a HIGH flow of intake manifold vacuum to the "wheel end hublocks", engaging the wheel end hubs to the front differential and transfer case to achieve four wheel drive. When the GEM verifies the completion of the transfer case shift from 4X4 HIGH to 2WD (reading the contact plate positions), the GEM will then energize only one (low vacuum solenoid) of the PVH solenoids (supplying a ground for 10 seconds). The PVH solenoid will allow a "LOW" flow of intake manifold vacuum to the wheel end vacuum hublocks, disengaging the wheel end hubs from the front differential and transfer case to achieve two wheel drive.The 4X4 shift motor uses a module containing two relays which, under control of the GEM, shifts the transfer case shift motor between 4X4 HIGH, 4X4 LOW and 2WD modes. The solid state clutch relay is used to activate the clutch within the transfer case which aids in shifting to 4X4. Feature inputs:
  • 4WD mode switch.
  • Vehicle speed signal (transmitted from the ABS module [4WABS only] or GEM [RABS only])
  • Output shaft (OSS) speed sensors.
  • Contact plate position inputs A, B, C, D.
Feature outputs:
  • Solid state clutch relay (pulse width modulated signal: grounded when the relay is on, battery potential when relay is off).
Shifts into 4X4 HIGH can be made at any speed. Listed below are the inputs and outputs needed by the GEM to execute a change between any of these modes. Feature inputs:
  • 4X4 mode switch.
  • Contact plate position inputs A, B, C, D.
Feature Outputs:
  • 4X4 shift motor relay outputs.
  • Solid state clutch relay (pulse width modulated signal; grounded when relay is on, battery potential when relay is off).
  • Cluster indicators (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated).
When shifting into or out of LOW range, the GEM requires that the vehicle speed is less than 5 kph (3 mph), the brake is applied, and the transmission is in NEUTRAL.
Feature inputs:
  • 4X4 mode switch.
  • Contact plate position inputs A, B, C, D.
  • Vehicle speed signal (transmitted from the ABS module [4WABS only] or GEM [RABS only]).
  • Brake input (battery voltage when brake is depressed, open circuit when not activated).
  • Digital TR sensor (ground when transmission is in NEUTRAL, open circuit otherwise).
  • Start/clutch depressed input.
Feature outputs:
  • 4X4 shift motor relay outputs.
  • Cluster indicators (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated).
See also: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17527110
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2018 | 08:57 PM
  #3  
Rockledge's Avatar
Rockledge
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
The Vehicle Does Not Shift Between 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW Modes Properly. Possible Causes:
  • 4WD mode switch.
  • Neutral safety switch.
  • Circuitry.
  • Brake switch.
  • Electric shift relay.
  • Electronic shift control module.
  • Transfer case mechanism.
  • Transfer case electric clutch.
  • Digital TR sensor.
  • Vehicle speed sensor/circuits.
  • GEM.
  • DTC P1483.
  • DTC P1485.
  • DTC P1812.
  • DTC P1815.
  • DTC P0500.
 
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2018 | 07:20 PM
  #4  
eckart's Avatar
eckart
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 582
Likes: 5
From: Kelowna B.C.
Thanks. I will finally get a chance too look at it again tomorrow.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Midnightride42
Electrical Systems/Wiring
15
Nov 26, 2008 02:05 PM
alaskanp71
1997 - 2003 F150
13
Mar 3, 2008 04:27 PM
jayhawkfan
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
8
Apr 11, 2004 11:32 PM
tdanco
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
4
Oct 6, 2003 04:03 PM
dirtjockey44x
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Jun 22, 2003 06:30 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:48 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE