I have a 1998 Ford Ranger XLT Super Cab - w/ 115,000 miles

Recently the 4WD has not wanted to engage. I will turn the **** to 4X4 High and I will hear the switch click but the dash light for 4x4 high will not light up. I will turn the switch back to 2wd then back to 4x4 and it will engaged on rare occasions. However most times I will switch the **** back to 4x4 high and the switch will click, click, click as if it is trying to engage the 4WD then it will stop and the 4WD High and Low light on the instrument panel will flash a number of times then go off the about 2 mins later it will flash again a number of times the so on and so forth. It's almost like the thing only works when it wants to. Is this a switch issue or something fairly easy I can fix myself or do I need to call the Ford dealership?

 

Also, are there any way to manually place my truck in 4WD?

 

Most of the time a '98-'00 Ranger 4x4 problem has to do with the pulse vacuum hublock (PVH) engagement system, but in your case it sounds more like a transfer case issue. The TC motors are somewhat prone to problems, but often can be serviced back to good:

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - 95 Ranger 4wd lights on ?

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - transfer case motor problems

 

Same truck, same mileage, same problem did you figure it out?

 

I too am interested in the results. Mine is working fine, but have been contemplating to remove it and rework it just as a preventative maintenance. I assume there is value in the PM instead of just waiting for the failure.