Troubleshooting Transfer Case Motor 2008
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 93
Likes: 3
From: Northern Connecticut
Troubleshooting Transfer Case Motor 2008
Wife’s 2008 Ranger engages 4wd readily, but has become increasingly reluctant to go back to 2wd. I initially suspected it was just binding up, but the last time it seemed that no amount of free rolling, trans in neutral, or rolling while turning would cause it to disengage. I finally got it back to 2wd by putting it in 4 lo, then switching the selector switch all the way to 2wd. I’d prefer to not just throw a motor at it without additional diagnosis. Wondering if I can remove the motor leaving it electrically connected and watch its output shaft to see if it moves okay, or if the control module requires feedback from the wire that goes inside the transfer case.
TIA
TIA
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Come by, borrow or use your ELM scan tool & running FORScan diagnostic freeware on the viewing device of choice as discussed here, Low Cost ELM Scantool - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com) & have this duo perform a diagnostic scan, as this inexpensive but powerful combo can access & query All vehicle computer/controllers, (like the GEM, Tranny & Body, controllers), for pending or set trouble code clues, that can help focus a trouble shoot, Then post All code Numbers.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 209
Likes: 46
...2008 Ranger engages 4wd
...reluctant to go back to 2wd
...suspected it was just binding
...back to 2wd by putting it in 4 lo, then switching the selector switch all the way to 2wd
...Wondering if I can remove the motor leaving it electrically connected and watch its output shaft
...or if the control module requires feedback from the wire that goes inside the transfer case
...reluctant to go back to 2wd
...suspected it was just binding
...back to 2wd by putting it in 4 lo, then switching the selector switch all the way to 2wd
...Wondering if I can remove the motor leaving it electrically connected and watch its output shaft
...or if the control module requires feedback from the wire that goes inside the transfer case
~ with Transmission in Neutral, EBrake engaged, Wheels blocked
~ crawl under left side below drivers door
~ remove 3+1 Bolts holding 4x4ShiftMotor to TransferCase
~ leave electrical harness connected to 4x4ShiftMotor
~ have Wife put IgnitionKey ON with Engine OFF, foot on BrakePedal, then operate 4x4Selector 2WHi~4WHi~4WLo & back
~ visually confirm 4x4ShiftMotor GearBox rotates thru 3 positions & back properly
If 4x4ShiftMotor rotates properly, it's likely getting weak & needs replacement.
If 4x4ShiftMotor does not rotate properly, it may be the 4x4ControlModul is bad.
You can use ViceGripPliers to manually rotate TransferCase TriangleStem to confirm no internal binding.
Dash mounted 4x4Selector is likely NOT the problem as it's just a simple 3 Resistor switch.
Both ShiftMotor & ControlModul are common failure items on the Explorer\MazdaB\Ranger\Sport\SportTrac models.
Note, Ford redesigned ShiftMotor & ControlModul a couple of times in lame attempts at improvement,
so you need PartNumbers specific to 2006 & later model years.
If TransferCaseFluid has not recently\ever been changed, now would be a good time; use MerconLV or approved equal.
Hope this helps.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 8
From: NorCal/Seal Rock,OR
I used Dillard000's info above when had TC shifting issues and I repaired mine a month ago. Spot on troubleshooting. My shift motor was OK (gummy though) but the module was toast. I replaced both anyway since the shift motor was original and hadn't been exercised in 6 years. I cleaned it up and now have a spare. My faulty module actually caused blowing of the 15A fuse #28 in the kick panel every time I would try the 4x4 switch. Hopefully yours is equally simple.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 93
Likes: 3
From: Northern Connecticut
Well, about 2 years later, figured it was time to put this story to bed. After replacing the motor with no resolution, today I replaced the control module. It’s now fixed! Once it got stuck in 4 low, I had no choice but to fix it so my wife could drive it again. Necessity, wife happiness, etc. all played a part into forcing me to git ‘er done.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Well, about 2 years later, figured it was time to put this story to bed. After replacing the motor with no resolution, today I replaced the control module. It’s now fixed! Once it got stuck in 4 low, I had no choice but to fix it so my wife could drive it again. Necessity, wife happiness, etc. all played a part into forcing me to git ‘er done.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
