ANOTHER 4X4 Problem!
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 51
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From: Hocking County, OH
ANOTHER 4X4 Problem!
Won't go into four wheel drive and no dash light indicating it is in 4X4. I read back 15 pages in this thread (to Sept 2004) reading about 4X4 problems, but didn't find this particular issue. I just fixed a misfire (and just in time, too because the weather took a nasty wintery turn yesterday).
This is an '02 Ranger 3.0 4X4. On my way to work yesterday I put it into 4X4 and got nothing. No 4X4 and nothing illuminated on the dash. Although it worked fine last winter I've not used it since then. Yesterday it was like I didn't even try to put it in 4X4, although the switch "felt" like it was working, meaning it feels like it's supposed to feel. There was no noise at all, no clicking sound, no "thunk", no nothing to indicate it was even trying to kick in. Won't go into 4 low, either. This particular model should kick into 4 high on the fly. To go into 4 low ya gotta stop, get into neutral or park, hold the brake, and then select 4 low.
The "check engine" light isn't on, either. Can't find anything about this in the owner's manual or the Haynes manual.
I was beneath the truck this morning and fiddled around with some wires and such, but need an extra pair of eyes in the cab to see if the dash indicator flickers while I'm messing around. Would the dash light illuminate if I switched it to 4X4 with the KOEO?
Thanks for any suggestions.
This is an '02 Ranger 3.0 4X4. On my way to work yesterday I put it into 4X4 and got nothing. No 4X4 and nothing illuminated on the dash. Although it worked fine last winter I've not used it since then. Yesterday it was like I didn't even try to put it in 4X4, although the switch "felt" like it was working, meaning it feels like it's supposed to feel. There was no noise at all, no clicking sound, no "thunk", no nothing to indicate it was even trying to kick in. Won't go into 4 low, either. This particular model should kick into 4 high on the fly. To go into 4 low ya gotta stop, get into neutral or park, hold the brake, and then select 4 low.
The "check engine" light isn't on, either. Can't find anything about this in the owner's manual or the Haynes manual.
I was beneath the truck this morning and fiddled around with some wires and such, but need an extra pair of eyes in the cab to see if the dash indicator flickers while I'm messing around. Would the dash light illuminate if I switched it to 4X4 with the KOEO?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 143
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From: Newark, Ohio
It sounds like a bad connection to the tc motor or possibly a blown fuse. there are several posts about 4 x 4 problems up recently. Tis the season for it. Just as a side note you should engage the 4 x 4 on a regular basis to ensure smooth engagement and operation, it only fails when you really need it most.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 51
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From: Hocking County, OH
Thanx, CDDZ, fer the input. According to my owners manual there are only a couple of fuses and I checked those late yesterday. I'll go over them again to make sure I didn't miss one. Didn't think about a bad connection. I'll check that today. Yah, yer right about this being the season for 4X4 woes. It's kinda like there's never a good time to have a flat or a dead battery.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Some information to consider:
As mentioned, start by checking the fuses and wire harness connectors.
2002 Ranger Workshop Manual - Four-Wheel Drive Systems
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Principles of Operation
Transfer Case — Electronic Shift
The four-wheel drive electronic shift-on-the-fly feature electrically shifts the vehicle transfer case between 2WD, 4WD HIGH, and 4WD LOW. The system mode is selected by the operator through the mode select switch (MSS) on the instrument panel. The operator is informed which mode the system is in by two instrument cluster indicators: one for 4WD HIGH which appears as 4WD, and one for 4WD LOW, which appears as 4WD LOW. Shifts into 4WD HIGH can be made at any speed. When shifting into 4WD HIGH with the vehicle stationary, tooth blockage may occur preventing shift completion. When the vehicle is driven above 8 km/h (5 mph) the shift will complete. When shifting in or out of 4WD LOW, the four-wheel drive (4WD) control module requires that the vehicle speed be less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the brake pedal be applied, and the transmission be in NEUTRAL (automatic transmission) or the clutch pedal be depressed (manual transmission).
The gearmotor encoder assembly is mounted externally on the transfer case. It drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork within the transfer case between the 4WD HIGH, 4WD LOW, and 2WD range positions.
The four-wheel drive (4WD) control module controls the gearmotor encoder assembly that shifts between 4WD HIGH, 4WD LOW, and 2WD modes.
System Function
Feature inputs:
- brake ON/OFF switch
- mode select switch (MSS)
- digital transmission range (TR) sensor
- vehicle speed signal transmitted from the powertrain control module (PCM)
- contact plate position inputs A, B, C, D
Feature outputs:
- 4WD LOW indicator (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated)
- 4WD indicator (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated)
- 4WD shift motor outputs
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD HIGH can be made at any speed. Listed below are the inputs and outputs needed by the 4WD control module to execute a change between any of these modes.
Feature inputs:
- vehicle speed signal
- mode select switch
Feature outputs:
- 4WD cluster indicator (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated)
When shifting into or out of LOW range, the 4WD control module requires that the vehicle speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the brake is applied, and the transmission is in NEUTRAL.
Feature inputs:
- mode select switch
- contact plate position inputs A, B, C, D
- vehicle speed signal
- brake ON/OFF switch input (battery voltage when brake is depressed, - open circuit when not activated)
- digital TR sensor (ground when transmission is in NEUTRAL, open circuit otherwise)
Feature outputs:
- 4WD shift motor outputs
- 4WD LOW cluster indicator (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated)
Inspection and Verification — Electronic Shift
Visually inspect the following for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage.
Mechanical :
- Axle shafts and universal joints
- Driveshaft and universal joints
- Fluid leaks
- Matching tire size
Electrical:
- Battery junction box (BJB - under hood) fuse:
1 (50A)
3 (50A)
13 (20A)
30 (10A)
- Central junction box (CJB - in cab) fuse:
28 (7.5A) (manual transmission)
10 (7.5A)
11 (7.5A)
5 (15A)
- 4WD control module
- Wiring harness
- Mode select switch (MSS)
- gearmotor encoder assembly
- Connector(s)
- Circuitry
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Principles of Operation
Transfer Case — Electronic Shift
The four-wheel drive electronic shift-on-the-fly feature electrically shifts the vehicle transfer case between 2WD, 4WD HIGH, and 4WD LOW. The system mode is selected by the operator through the mode select switch (MSS) on the instrument panel. The operator is informed which mode the system is in by two instrument cluster indicators: one for 4WD HIGH which appears as 4WD, and one for 4WD LOW, which appears as 4WD LOW. Shifts into 4WD HIGH can be made at any speed. When shifting into 4WD HIGH with the vehicle stationary, tooth blockage may occur preventing shift completion. When the vehicle is driven above 8 km/h (5 mph) the shift will complete. When shifting in or out of 4WD LOW, the four-wheel drive (4WD) control module requires that the vehicle speed be less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the brake pedal be applied, and the transmission be in NEUTRAL (automatic transmission) or the clutch pedal be depressed (manual transmission).
The gearmotor encoder assembly is mounted externally on the transfer case. It drives a rotary cam which moves the mode fork and range fork within the transfer case between the 4WD HIGH, 4WD LOW, and 2WD range positions.
The four-wheel drive (4WD) control module controls the gearmotor encoder assembly that shifts between 4WD HIGH, 4WD LOW, and 2WD modes.
System Function
Feature inputs:
- brake ON/OFF switch
- mode select switch (MSS)
- digital transmission range (TR) sensor
- vehicle speed signal transmitted from the powertrain control module (PCM)
- contact plate position inputs A, B, C, D
Feature outputs:
- 4WD LOW indicator (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated)
- 4WD indicator (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated)
- 4WD shift motor outputs
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD HIGH can be made at any speed. Listed below are the inputs and outputs needed by the 4WD control module to execute a change between any of these modes.
Feature inputs:
- vehicle speed signal
- mode select switch
Feature outputs:
- 4WD cluster indicator (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated)
When shifting into or out of LOW range, the 4WD control module requires that the vehicle speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the brake is applied, and the transmission is in NEUTRAL.
Feature inputs:
- mode select switch
- contact plate position inputs A, B, C, D
- vehicle speed signal
- brake ON/OFF switch input (battery voltage when brake is depressed, - open circuit when not activated)
- digital TR sensor (ground when transmission is in NEUTRAL, open circuit otherwise)
Feature outputs:
- 4WD shift motor outputs
- 4WD LOW cluster indicator (ground when activated, open circuit when deactivated)
Inspection and Verification — Electronic Shift
Visually inspect the following for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage.
Mechanical :
- Axle shafts and universal joints
- Driveshaft and universal joints
- Fluid leaks
- Matching tire size
Electrical:
- Battery junction box (BJB - under hood) fuse:
1 (50A)
3 (50A)
13 (20A)
30 (10A)
- Central junction box (CJB - in cab) fuse:
28 (7.5A) (manual transmission)
10 (7.5A)
11 (7.5A)
5 (15A)
- 4WD control module
- Wiring harness
- Mode select switch (MSS)
- gearmotor encoder assembly
- Connector(s)
- Circuitry
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
Likes: 0
Yep, in most cases it's the electric shift motor on the t-case. It's really a good idea to engage the t-case at least once a month in both ranges. Even if you just move back and forwards in the driveway. It will keep the shift motor from sticking and gumming up and what have you. A lot of times the motors just need cleaned rather than replaced.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 934
Likes: 0
From: The 'Loops
Sounds like the stupid cam stop bushing thingy.The thread here will walk you through the repair process http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=123542. Most of the time with a "no light, click or thunk " problem people say it was the shift motor. Mileage will vary.
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 51
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From: Hocking County, OH
Thanx, R031Kona! Spectacular link!!!!!!! Exactly what I need. I'd have never stumbled across this on my own!
All of the fuses look good, both in-cab and under the hood. Yesterday (Monday) I pulled that plug beneath and checked it with a test light to see if it had current going to any of the prongs. Nothing.
However, I'll follow the above link and see what that might come of that. It will be a couple a days before I get a round tuit, but it won't irritate me if that isn't the problem because it sounds like this is a common thing and I would like to know a little bit more about it for future reference.
Thanx!
All of the fuses look good, both in-cab and under the hood. Yesterday (Monday) I pulled that plug beneath and checked it with a test light to see if it had current going to any of the prongs. Nothing.
However, I'll follow the above link and see what that might come of that. It will be a couple a days before I get a round tuit, but it won't irritate me if that isn't the problem because it sounds like this is a common thing and I would like to know a little bit more about it for future reference.
Thanx!
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New User
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Originally Posted by Mudflap
Thanx, R031Kona! Spectacular link!!!!!!! Exactly what I need. I'd have never stumbled across this on my own!
All of the fuses look good, both in-cab and under the hood. Yesterday (Monday) I pulled that plug beneath and checked it with a test light to see if it had current going to any of the prongs. Nothing.
However, I'll follow the above link and see what that might come of that. It will be a couple a days before I get a round tuit, but it won't irritate me if that isn't the problem because it sounds like this is a common thing and I would like to know a little bit more about it for future reference.
Thanx!
All of the fuses look good, both in-cab and under the hood. Yesterday (Monday) I pulled that plug beneath and checked it with a test light to see if it had current going to any of the prongs. Nothing.
However, I'll follow the above link and see what that might come of that. It will be a couple a days before I get a round tuit, but it won't irritate me if that isn't the problem because it sounds like this is a common thing and I would like to know a little bit more about it for future reference.
Thanx!
LOL....make sure the switch under your dash is plugged in. That happened to me. I got the truck from my dad and before he gave it to me, he change the tranny....only he forgot to plug the connector, thats right by the shifter, back together.....no 4wd without it being plugged in. I don't really think that is what is wrong with yours, just sharing a story. :-)
Last edited by chris9n; Dec 18, 2007 at 09:59 AM.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Hocking County, OH
I'm a victim of Murphy's 50-50-90 Law:
If there's a 50-50 chance the problem will be a 20 cent fuse or a $300 dollar part, there's a 90 percent chance it'll be the $300 part.
If there's a 50-50 chance the problem will be a 20 cent fuse or a $300 dollar part, there's a 90 percent chance it'll be the $300 part.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Hocking County, OH
Well, as everyone who has done this knows, it's so quick and easy it's amost scary!
My Ranger isn't set up quite like what the link shows, but it's close enough that it was easy to figger out. But that ain't the problem; all is well inside the shift motor.
I'm going back to the beginning and starting from scratch. Musta missed something along the way.
My Ranger isn't set up quite like what the link shows, but it's close enough that it was easy to figger out. But that ain't the problem; all is well inside the shift motor.
I'm going back to the beginning and starting from scratch. Musta missed something along the way.
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Have you tried pulling the battery and then putting it back in after about 10 mins? i have an 01 edge and that happened to me and thats what i did and it seemed to fix it. A mechanic freind said sometimes those shift on the fly get stuck in a weird position and dont know what to do, so they do nothing... just a little thing to try...
